Tender for Budapest 92.9 MHz frequency continues

On 19 January 2021, and in line with the provisions of the Media Act, the Media Council suspended the tender of the Budapest 92.9 MHz frequency after administrative legal action was filed by LBK Médiaszolgáltató 2020 Kft. and Közösségi Rádiózásért Egyesület, both of whom submitted bids that were formally invalid. Given that the parties concerned have since withdrawn their action, the legal reason for the suspension of the tender no longer prevails, and so the Media Council is continuing with its tender for the community use of the Budapest 92.9 MHz frequency. The council has processed the missing information of the sole bidder remaining in the procedure, and registered Klubrádió Zrt. for the tender. The procedure is now continuing with the content review of the submitted bid.

The Media Council rejected the temporary contracting applications submitted by LBK Médiaszolgáltató 2020 Kft. and Közösségi Rádiózásért Egyesület.

Twenty-five radio stations receive more than HUF 74 million in grants

The Media Council has announced the winners of the fourth round of the tender competition supporting the preparation of news programmes, thematic shows and magazine programmes by local and district radio stations: twenty-five applications will receive total support of HUF 74.39 million. News programmes can be organised from this funding by Lakihegy Rádió in Szigetszentmiklós, FM90 Campus Rádió in Debrecen, 100.7 – Best FM in Eger, Csillagpont Rádió in Miskolc, Bajai Rádió, Érd FM101.3, Rádió1 in Székesfehérvár, Szolnok, Tatabánya and Békéscsaba, as well as Karc FM, 90.9 Jazzy Rádió and Klasszik Rádió 92.1 in Budapest. Successful applicants in the magazine show category: Rádió 97 in Kiskőrös, Rádió1 in Sopron and Szegedi, 100.7 – Best FM in Eger, Táska Rádió in Székesfehérvár, Európa Rádió in Debrecen, Csaba Rádió in Békéscsaba, Rádió Antritt in Szekszárd, Sárvár Rádió, Rádió Szarvas and Sláger FM in Budapest. CREDO Rádió in Szombathely can spend the funding on a thematic magazine programme.

Rural radio tenders and decisions of the Media Council

The council has approved the draft calls for tender for the local community frequencies of Szolnok 97.1 MHz and Veszprém 98.3 MHz. These shall be published on the website on 19 February. The council conducted a formal review of the bids received for the local Pápa 95.7 MHz frequency and the use of a small-community Székesfehérvár frequency, and in both cases registered the only bidder for the tenders: Pápai Platán Nonprofit Kft. for the former and Lánczos Kornél Secondary School for the latter.

The Media Council issued a HUF 20,000 fine to Rádió Szarvas for broadcasting fewer programmes with talking, news, for public service, as well as helping local public life and everyday local life, and instead broadcasting more music and repeats than it contractually agreed too, and for broadcasting not just its own programmes, in contravention of its contract. The operator of Szolnok TV was warned about its lawful conduct after one of its ÉPI-TECH magazine shows at the end of October encouraged viewers to buy the products of the show’s sponsor that markets building materials. This is illegal.

When imposing a fine, the Media Council always assesses the type and level of legal consequence based on a gradual approach and the principle of proportionality by taking all the circumstances of each case into account.

The full agenda of the weekly meetings of the Media Council is available on the council’s website together with the minutes of the sessions and all the resolutions – the latest documents are published after the necessary certification and administration processes.