Media Council fines public service media provider
The Media Council of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) condemned the public service media provider for unlawfully broadcasting social advertisements. It also launched proceedings against a radio media service provider for airing surreptitious commercial communication.
By displaying the logo of the “National Petition”, Duna Médiaszolgáltató Nonprofit Zrt. had persistently violated the statutory provisions on broadcasting social advertisements and the way such advertisements should be distinguished from other media content on six media services, including the permanent television channels M1, M2, M4 Sport, M5, Duna and Duna World, between 2 February and 8 April 2026. For this reason, the Media Council imposed a fine totalling HUF 2.1 million on the media service provider and, having regard to the repeated infringement, ordered its executive officer to pay HUF 50,000.
The Council launched proceedings against Mambó Rádió Kft. as the local commercial radio station it operates in the Villány 100.9 MHz coverage area, 100.9 Rádió 1, had repeatedly violated the statutory provisions prohibiting the broadcasting of surreptitious commercial communication by airing a message promoting an authorised dealership between 2 and 6 March 2026.
Following a citizen’s complaint, the Media Council examined the 18 March 2026 broadcast of “Balázsék” with regard to the enforcement of the provisions on the prohibition of the violation of human dignity and the protection of minors. However, the Council found no infringement in relation to the programme in question and therefore did not launch proceedings against the media service provider, Radio Plus Kft.