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The National Media and Infocommunications Authority (Hungarian: Nemzeti Média- és Hírközlési Hatóság) is an independent commission tasked with over-site of media and communication. This includes surveillance and regulation of broadcast stations, television, newspapers, and media service providers. Additionally it can issue and manage a Broadcast license for any radio systems.

It was established in 2010 by the Second Orbán Government. The Authority is run by a five member media council, with one President and four Members. This council is elected by the National Assembly (Hungary) with a two-thirds majority. The Council serves out a nine year term.

Core Functions

The main activities of the Authority are to continually monitor the state of electronic communications and postal services. Action is taken if any rules or obligations are breached. These are a few main acts that define the core functions For Electronic Communication, the Authority manages radio frequencies, conducts Spectrum management, and handles official matters related to electronic communication services. For Media, the Authority maintains official registers, determines provision fees, and supervises compliance for media controlled by provisions. For Digital Switchover, the Authority manages monitoring of media distribution services and ensures competition compliance. The Authority also preforms tasks related to the Postal Service, registers and verifies electronic signatures, and supervises unsolicited electronic advertising.

In enforcement of these functions, the Authority has the ability to impose fines as well as suspension of service and termination of contracts.

Criticism

The Authority has faced criticism from both inside and outside of Hungary since its inception. Some notable incidents include:

• In 2012 after Viktor Orbán spoke at the European Parliament, he faced criticism for defending the NMHH while facing pressures to roll back such measures.
• In 2022 the renewal of frequency license for Tilos Rádió was blocked by the NMHH due to rules infractions that critics deemed were minor. This includes four instances of inappropriate language in a seven year period and errors in annual reports. The radio was able to broadcast again later that year after purchasing the frequency license.

Supporters of the Authority have responded to criticism, citing the councils appointment by a democratic body and maintain that it is in line with similar semi-independent bodies in Europe.

References

1. "Members of the NMHH". NMHH. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
2. "Hungarian Media Law | PDF | Mass Media | Broadcasting". Scribd. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
3. "Hungary: Controversial New Media Law Defended by Government". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
4. "Statutes of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority". english.nmhh.hu. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
5. "Electronic communications supervision". english.nmhh.hu. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
6. "Hungary: New Laws Curb Media Freedom | Human Rights Watch". 2012-05-25. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
7. "Hungary's Free Media". Paul Krugman Blog. 2012-03-14. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
8. Traynor, Ian (2012-01-18). "Hungary PM Viktor Orban faces EU backlash over new policies". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
9. "Radio station banned in Hungary". 2004-01-21. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
10. "The frequency used by Tilos Radio will be open for applications this summer". english.nmhh.hu. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
11. "Megvan a Tilos Rádió visszakapcsolási dátuma" [We have the reconnection date of Tilos Radio (in Hungarian)]. Media1. 2022-10-14. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
12. "Media Law in Hungary | CMCS". medialaws.ceu.hu. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
13. "NMHH evaluated international reports on media freedom in Hungary". english.nmhh.hu. Retrieved 2024-11-07.

• Hungary
• Government agencies of Hungary