Keynotes by
András Pethő, Investigative Journalist, Direkt36
NN (tba)

Moderated by Almut Möller, European Policy Centre

András Pethő
Even just a few years ago, it looked like independent journalists of Hungary could be counted out in the face of pressure from Viktor Orbán’s autocratic government. Seemingly strong news outlets, some of them serving their audience for decades, were shut down or transformed into pro-government propaganda mouthpieces. But somehow, independent journalism not only survived but also rebounded and played a crucial role in keeping the chance for democracy alive while many other institutions were collapsing. 

How did Hungarian journalists do this in the face of widespread propaganda and disinformation? What kind of impact did truthful reporting have on Hungary’s public discourse and political trajectory? How did journalists find allies in other actors in civil society, and what lessons does the Hungarian experience offer to the rest of Europe? András Pethő, co-founder and executive director of the Hungarian investigative reporting center Direkt36, will explain.