The Political Scene | The New Yorker Examining Trump's War on the Media, and a Warning from Hungary
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May 29, 2025 Márton Gulyás, a prominent Hungarian journalist and media figure, dives into the troubling trends of press freedom both in Hungary and the U.S. He discusses a new bill threatening independent media in Hungary, drawing parallels to America's own challenges under Trump. The conversation explores how legal battles and social media dynamics are reshaping public discourse and the role of journalism. Gulyás warns that the erosion of press freedom is a critical issue that could have dire consequences for democracy in both countries.
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Hungary's Media Crackdown Law
- Hungary's new bill targets any media outlet receiving foreign funding, including small donations or subscriptions.
- This law aims not at transparency but at handicapping independent media through impossible bureaucratic demands.
From Activist to Media Leader
- Márton Gulyás started as an activist and then launched a journalistic career exposing government fraud.
- He grew Partisan into Hungary's biggest political YouTube channel with 70 staff and strong viewer support.
YouTube's Opposition Media Role
- Hungarian government and oligarchs took control of traditional media but struggled to dominate YouTube.
- YouTube is the strongest platform for opposition media, making it a key battleground for information.
