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The Hungarian service of Radio Free Europe, Szabad Európa, shut down operations on Friday following the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw funding from the pro-democracy news outlet, marking the end of a service that was reintroduced just four years ago.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, established during the Cold War to deliver news to people living under Soviet influence, currently broadcasts in 27 languages across 23 countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The Hungarian service had initially ceased operations in 1993 but was revived in 2020 after the United States Agency for Global Media and Congress approved its relaunch in response to Hungary’s deteriorating media freedom under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
In its farewell statement Thursday, Szabad Európa expressed gratitude to its audience, noting that it had “worked with dedication to provide the best of journalism and objective information to Hungarian readers.” The outlet confirmed its archive would remain accessible online.
The closure comes amid broader cuts by the Trump administration targeting both international broadcasters like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America, as well as domestic public media organizations including PBS and NPR. These cuts reflect a significant shift in U.S. media funding priorities under the new administration.
Kari Lake, Trump’s recently appointed senior adviser to the U.S. Agency for Global Media and unsuccessful Arizona gubernatorial and Senate candidate, formally notified Congress earlier this month that funding for Szabad Európa would be terminated. In her letter, Lake claimed the Hungarian service’s operations were “not aligned with U.S. national interests” and “undermined” the president’s foreign policy objectives.
Lake later elaborated on social media platform X, writing that “The Globalists are more than welcome to hate our ally Viktor Orbán” but added they were “not entitled to the use of YOUR money to destabilize the Hungarian regime via taxpayer-funded programming on Szabad Európa. We’re putting a stop to that.” Her announcement came the same day Trump hosted Orbán at the White House, highlighting the warming relationship between the two leaders. Orbán responded to Lake’s post with a simple “Thank you!”
The timing of the shutdown reflects the strengthened alliance between Trump and Orbán, who has ruled Hungary since 2010. During his tenure, Orbán has systematically dismantled independent media while constructing a vast pro-government media apparatus. Press freedom organizations have documented how government-aligned oligarchs have acquired formerly independent outlets, consolidating control over the Hungarian media landscape.
According to Reporters Without Borders, Orbán has leveraged media buyouts by government-connected figures to build “a true media empire subject to his party’s orders.” The organization estimates that these acquisitions have given Orbán’s Fidesz party control of approximately 80% of Hungary’s media market resources. In 2021, Reporters Without Borders took the unprecedented step of including Orbán on its list of media “predators,” making him the first European Union leader to receive such a designation.
Hungary’s media environment faces further restrictions, as earlier this year Orbán’s party introduced legislation that would blacklist and impose fines on critical media outlets receiving foreign funding or grants. This move has been widely criticized by press freedom advocates as another step toward silencing independent voices in Hungary.
The closure of Szabad Európa represents a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, with the Trump administration appearing to prioritize relationships with leaders like Orbán over the promotion of media freedom and democratic values that had previously guided U.S. international broadcasting efforts for decades.
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8 Comments
This is a disappointing development. Radio Free Europe has historically played a crucial role in delivering objective information to populations living under authoritarian regimes. Losing this service in Hungary is a setback for media pluralism and democratic discourse.
Absolutely. Independent journalism is the lifeblood of a healthy democracy. Hopefully RFE can find a way to reinstate its Hungarian operations or support other local outlets committed to factual, unbiased reporting.
It’s troubling to see Radio Free Europe’s Hungarian service close down due to funding cuts. This service played a vital role in delivering independent news and information to the public in a country with declining media pluralism. Hopefully a solution can be found to restore this important outlet.
The shutdown of Radio Free Europe’s Hungarian service is concerning. This outlet provided an important counterweight to the government’s growing control over domestic media. I hope they can secure alternative funding to resume operations and maintain press freedom in the country.
Unfortunate to see Radio Free Europe’s Hungarian service shut down after funding cuts. This service provided an important independent voice in a country where media freedom has been deteriorating. Curious to see how this impacts access to objective information for Hungarians.
The closure of Radio Free Europe’s Hungarian service is worrying, as it represents a loss of an independent media voice in a country where press freedoms have been eroding. I hope the organization can eventually restore its presence there.
Radio Free Europe has long been a vital source of independent journalism in regions where press freedom is under threat. While funding cuts are a concern, I hope the organization can find ways to continue its important work in Hungary and elsewhere.
Agreed. Maintaining access to objective news sources is critical, especially in countries with authoritarian leaders trying to control the narrative. Hopefully RFE can find alternative funding to resume Hungarian operations.