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The Hungarian-language service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) will cease operations at midnight on November 21, marking the end of an era for independent journalism aimed at audiences in Hungary. The closure comes amid broader concerns about media freedom and government influence in the region.
“We are deeply grateful to our readers for their trust, commitment, and support,” RFE/RL’s European headquarters stated in a recent announcement.
Tibor Vovesz, head of the Hungarian service, added, “We are grateful for the audience’s attention and support from the very first day of our new operation. It was an honor for us to be able to present them with unique and original stories.” According to reports from Hvg.hu, RFE/RL leadership informed staff of the decision on Thursday afternoon.
RFE/RL also released a statement confirming the shutdown, attributing it to a directive from the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). “In recent years, our staff has worked diligently and with the highest standards of journalism to provide Hungarian readers with independent and objective information. We thank our audience for the trust, interest, and support they have shown us.” The organization confirmed that previous content will remain accessible online.
Established during the Cold War to reach audiences behind the Iron Curtain, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty played a significant role in the collapse of totalitarian regimes in Eastern and Central Europe. Today, the Prague-based broadcaster continues to operate in countries including Russia and Ukraine. Its 2024 budget totaled $142 million (51 billion Hungarian forint).
The Hungarian service initially launched in 2020, during the first term of former U.S. President Donald Trump. In March, Trump signed an executive order identifying the USAGM – which oversees outlets including Voice of America, RFE/RL, and Radio Free Asia – as containing “unnecessary elements” of the federal bureaucracy. The order froze $77 million in funding for the radio networks.
The development underscores the potential impact of U.S. domestic politics on international media operations and the broader landscape of independent journalism. The closure of the Hungarian service could influence future diplomatic talks and the flow of information within the region.
