Hungary could face legal action over media law

Hungary could face legal action over media law

2011-01-23 04:24:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The European Union (EU) has given Hungary two weeks to show that the country's new media law, which allegedly breaches press freedom, complies with EU rules, the German DPA news agency reported Saturday.

The media law, which was approved in late December, sparked controversy because of its demand to all media to register and provide "balanced" coverage of national and EU events. Hungary could face legal action if it fails to respond adequately.

"The commission services have serious doubts as to the compatibility of the Hungarian legislation with Union law ... I invite the Hungarian government to submit within two weeks observations on how these serious doubts may be addressed," the EU's commissioner for digital issues, Neelie Kroes, said in a letter sent Friday, as quoted by DPA.

Other clauses allow the government to fine broadcasters established outside the country, which transgresses EU regulations.

The Hungarian law is based on a set of rules on media services approved by EU states. Commission experts, however, say that it appears to go beyond EU standards in several areas.

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