Hungary

[HU] The Media Council Fines TV2 for Content Classification and Human Dignity Violations

IRIS 2026-3:1/19

Kinga Sorbán

University of Public Service

Between January and February 2026, the Media Council of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (Nemzeti Média és Hírközlési Hatóság - NMHH) issued two decisions regarding the commercial broadcaster TV2 Zrt., imposing fines totalling approximately 20 million Hungarian forints (HUF) (EUR 52 700). The cases involve a breach of age-rating provisions in a music talent show and a violation of human dignity during a current affairs programme. In both instances, the Media Council also levied personal fines against the media service provider’s senior executive due to the nature of the infringements.

In a decision published on 22 January 2026, the Media Council imposed a fine of HUF 16.9 million (approximately EUR 44 530) on TV2 Zrt. for incorrectly classifying the first two episodes of the eighth season of its music talent show, Megasztár (Megastar).

The episodes, which aired in September 2025, were broadcast with a "12 and older" rating (Category III). However, following an investigation into the content – which included themes of sexuality and violence – the Council determined that a "16 and older" rating (Category IV) was required. By using the lower age rating, the broadcaster failed to comply with the mandatory late-night time slot requirements (after 9 p.m.) associated with more mature content. In addition to the corporate fine, a personal penalty of HUF 475 000 (approximately EUR 1 250) was levied against the media service provider’s senior executive due to the repeated nature of the classification errors.

On 12 February 2026, the Media Council issued a second decision fining TV2 Zrt. HUF 3 million (approximately EUR 7 900) for violating legal provisions regarding respect for human dignity. The infringement occurred during the current affairs programme Napló (Diary) on 13 July 2025, in its preview on 12 July 2025. The programme focused on tragic bus accidents involving multiple fatalities. However, the broadcaster integrated a prize contest into the segment, asking viewers to vote on the question: "Do you think the driver is to blame for every bus accident?" The Media Council found that linking a prize draw to a discussion of fatal tragedies was incompatible with the constitutional values of a democratic public and the fundamental right to human dignity. As a result, the broadcaster was ordered to pay the fine and publish a formal statement regarding the violation. The senior executive was also fined HUF 25 000 (approximately EUR 66) for this specific breach.