The Media Council imposed a fine due to incorrect age rating of the reality show Való Világ (Real World)

Published: 26 February 2020

At its latest session, in the framework of a new procedure, the Media Council of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) imposed a fine of nearly HUF 12 million on the operator of RTL Klub as the channel classified Való Világ 4. (Real World 4) in a lower age rating category, and therefore broadcast it and its previews in the wrong time slot back in 2011. Based on the Council’s decision, Vörösmarty Rádió of Székesfehérvár can temporarily continue its broadcast.

The Council imposed a fine of nearly HUF 12 million on the operator of RTL Klub for broadcasting ValóVilág 4 and the related programme Neked Való (on 13 occasions) and their previews (on 82 occasions) in the wrong time slot and with an incorrect age rating in January 2011.

The programmes could have been aired exclusively with an “Ages 16+” rating and, together with their previews, they could have been broadcast between 9 pm and 5 am as their images with sexual references might have adversely affected the personality development of those under 16 years of age.

A new procedure was necessary as, during the judicial review of the previous decision, the court departed from the decision of the Media Council when it established the number of infringements.

When imposing a fine, the Media Council always determines the form and extent of the sanctions with due consideration to all the circumstances of the specific case and employing the principle of progressiveness and proportionality.

The Council has decided to conclude a provisional public contract for 30 days with Székesfehérvár Városgondnoksága Kft., as a result of which Vörösmarty Rádió will also broadcast, as a commercial radio, between 25 March and 23 April on the radio frequency Székesfehérvár 99.2 MHz with a local coverage area.

The new call for tender for the community use of the frequency has begun in mid-January.