Hungary is implementing far-reaching changes to the structure of its regulatory bodies and public service broadcasters.
BBJ reports that Pál Schmitt, the country’s new president, has signed off legislation that will result in the merger of the National Communications Council (NHH) with the broadcasting authority ORTT to create a new body known as the National Media and Telecommunications Authority (NMHH).
Annamária Szalai, a former member of the ORTT, officially became head of the NMHH yesterday (August 11) and will remain in the post for nine years.
The public broadcasters MTV and Duna TV, along with their radio counterpart Magyar Rádió and Hungarian News Agency (MTI), will meanwhile be transformed into non-profit companies under the control of a new body named the Public Service Foundation.