Economy, Communications

In the early 1990s the country’s telecommunication network remained underdeveloped. Half of the telephones in Hungary are found in Budapest; Hungarians wait an average of two years to have a telephone line installed. Though communications remain largely in state hands, a portion of the state telephone company was sold to foreign investors in 1993. The state-run Magyar Radio operates three radio stations, and Magyar Televizio maintains two television channels. In April 1994 a new, independent television station began broadcasting. Most Hungarian families own a radio, and many also own a television set.

Since private ownership of publications was legalized in 1989, the print media in Hungary has enjoyed considerable freedom. Most of the country’s daily newspapers are partially foreign owned. In 1998 there were 33 daily newspapers being published, with a total circulation of 1.9 million. The most important of these was Nepszabadsag (People’s Freedom), published in Budapest. Nepszabadsag was formerly the central publication of the Hungarian Socialist Workers’ Party but is now independent.