Steven N.The printed version of weekly Figyelő and daily newspaper Világgazdaság are being discontinued, writes hvg.hu, with their final editions to be published on Thursday. Rising energy and paper prices were cited as reasons for the decision.
Péter Csermely, Deputy CEO of Content Development for publisher Mediaworks, made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon at the respective editorial offices. Mediaworks is part of the Central European Press and Media Foundation (KESMA), the organization operating the large Fidesz-friendly media empire.
Journalists from these two periodicals will be able to take part in producing economic content for Origo and Magyar Nemzet in the future, which suggests that the online versions of Figyelő and Világgazdaság will also be eventually phased out.
In addition to the most recent announcement, the pro-government media empire has taken several steps to slim down since Hungary’s parliamentary election on April 3:
- Layoffs were announced at Bors and Metropol.
- It was announced in early April that sport magazine FourFourTwo would be publishing its last edition in May.
- Also in April, it was revealed that the free weekly newspaper City7, which was distributed in opposition-led cities and districts, would not continue except in Budapest’s Józsefváros district.
- At the beginning of May, it was announced that Pesti TV would stop broadcasting in July, but would continue to operate online.
- Mediaworks also closed two of its printing houses.
[Telex]
