Hungary’s Hir TV to shed staff

The Hungarian news channel Hir TV has announced layoffs in a move that reflects wider changes in the country’s media landscape.
BBJ reports that the channel is owned the entrepreneur Lajos Simicska, who was until three years ago considered close to the Prime Minister Viktor Orban and ruling Fidesz party. However, the relationship has since deteriorated, with the channel becoming increasingly critical of the government.
It adds that the changes in the Hungarian media got under way following the re-election of Fidesz earlier this month and have already seen the closure of the daily Magyar Nemzet and radio station Lanchid.
Hir TV, which was officially launched at the beginning of 2003, is expected to shed 30-40 staff, though it will continue to show popular programmes.