Fülke – the Community of Independent Local Newspapers has developed a comprehensive package of proposals aimed at strengthening local media in Hungary. The document is intended for media professionals, policymakers and bodies dealing with media regulation, press financing and the future of the media. The initiative draws on the day-to-day experience of Fülke’s member newsrooms, whose local media environments are facing economic, market-related and regulatory challenges at the same time.
According to Fülke, the first step should be the introduction of a rapid, six-month transitional support programme for local newsrooms whose continued operation is under immediate threat. In the longer term, a politically and professionally independent national media fund could provide a sustainable solution, supporting not only individual projects but also the ongoing operation of newsrooms. A dedicated funding stream should be reserved for local media within the fund, helping to reduce their competitive disadvantage compared with national media outlets.
Another key objective is to reduce the number of local news deserts. The aim should not only be to preserve existing newsrooms, but also to support the establishment of new local media outlets and the expansion of existing independent local newspapers into areas where regular professional journalism is no longer available. This requires a transparent, rules-based funding system free from political influence.
The proposals also call for global digital platforms to contribute to the financing of journalism in Hungary. At the same time, media spending by the state, municipalities and municipally owned companies should be published in a unified database that is easy to search and allows meaningful comparisons.
The future of county-level media also needs to be reconsidered. According to the document, the local journalistic traditions represented by the former county newspapers are valuable, but rather than simply restoring previous structures, Hungary needs a more open, competitive and locally rooted media market. The proposals also recommend establishing institutional cooperation between public-service media and independent local newsrooms, based on predictable, performance-based remuneration.
The package also proposes putting digital terrestrial radio broadcasting back on the agenda, with particular attention to creating opportunities for local, community-based and thematic broadcasters to enter the market. Another important element is the development of media literacy and media education through cooperation between schools, universities, research institutions and practising newsrooms.
Fülke first sent the proposal package to dr. Gábor Polyák, President of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH). In the coming period, the document will also be shared with other media professionals, decision-makers and professional media organisations, so that the proposals can serve as a basis for a broader professional dialogue.
“Our initiative aims to create a media environment in which local journalism can operate on a predictable, transparent and professional basis, while strengthening editorial independence and media pluralism. The Fülke community is ready to discuss the details of these proposals with professional organisations, regulatory authorities and decision-making bodies,” said Róbert Alter, President of Fülke.
The Community of Independent Local Newspapers Association (Független Helyi Lapok Közössége Egyesület, abbreviated as Fülke) is a nationwide professional media organisation that currently brings together six independent local publishers and eight newsrooms. Its mission is to strengthen the diversity of local public discourse, reliable journalism and press freedom. Fülke supports professional cooperation, joint advocacy and knowledge-sharing among its member newsrooms, as well as the sustainable and ethical operation of independent local media.
Fülke’s members are: Borsod24 – Miskolc, Debreciner – Debrecen, KecsUP Hírek – Kecskemét, Szabad Pécs – Pécs, Szabolcs24 – Nyíregyháza, Szegeder – Szeged, Szol24 – Szolnok, and Veszprém Kukac – Veszprém.
Press contact
Community of Independent Local Newspapers Association
+36 70 945 6091 – Tamás Bethlen
fulke@afulke.hu
