Budapest-A dispute over recent asset sales has triggered a public battle between Hungarian tech firm 4iG and independent lawmaker Ákos Hadházy, centering on accusations of a potential government-orchestrated takeover of RTL Hungary, one of the country’s largest television broadcasters. 4iG has strongly refuted Hadházy’s claims, alleging defamation and market manipulation, as concerns mount over the evolving media landscape in Hungary and the increasing role of state-backed companies. The controversy arrives amid a wider debate about press freedom and media ownership within the european Union.
Hungarian tech firm 4iG has denounced claims made by independent lawmaker Ákos Hadházy suggesting the company is preparing for a potential acquisition of RTL Hungary, a major television broadcaster.
The dispute centers around a recent deal involving the sale of broadcasting assets formerly belonging to Antenna Hungária. According to a statement released by 4iG, the state-owned Pro-M Zrt. purchased these assets from 4iG Műsorszóró Kft. Hadházy alleges this move is a precursor to a government takeover of RTL Hungary.
4iG emphasized that it holds a 62.1 percent stake in 4iG Távközlési Zrt., with the remaining ownership belonging to the state, meaning the revenue from the sale will be shared. While the company did not initially confirm a reported sale price of around 70 billion forints (approximately $185 million USD), HVG reported that 4iG later explained its reluctance to comment stemmed from the figure being considered a business secret.
The company categorically denied any plans to use the proceeds from the sale to acquire RTL Hungary, stating that no such negotiations are underway. 4iG considers Hadházy’s statements “seriously defamatory” and is evaluating potential legal action for market manipulation and defamation. This case highlights the increasing scrutiny surrounding media ownership and potential government influence in Hungary.
The sale of the broadcasting assets and the subsequent allegations raise questions about the future of media pluralism in the country. The move underscores the growing involvement of state-backed entities in Hungary’s media landscape.
