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Hungary to respond to EU on media law on Monday

Published 01/31/2011, 04:07 AM
Updated 01/31/2011, 04:12 AM

* Brussels concerned new Hungarian law contravenes EU rules

* Hungary reiterates ready to change law, if necessary

BUDAPEST, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Hungary's government will respond to objections raised by the European Commission against its controversial new media law in a letter on Monday, state secretary Zoltan Kovacs said.

Hungary, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, drew sharp rebukes from France, Britain and Germany after enacting the law in late 2010 because of concerns over respect for media freedom and EU regulation on broadcasting.

EU telecoms chief Neelie Kroes had set out a two-week deadline for Hungary to show its media law complies with EU rules or face potential legal action in a letter sent to Budapest on Jan. 21.

Kovacs told public radio MR1-Kossuth the response would address each of the commission's objections and the government was open to further consultations about the law, which it is ready to change if the commission deems necessary.

The commission, which serves as the EU executive body, is concerned the new rules may limit freedom of expression in Hungary by requiring all broadcasters to provide balanced coverage of news and to register with a state authority.

Another concern is that the law appears to apply to media companies established outside of Hungary, which would contravene EU regulations that say broadcasters are subject to rules in their country of origin only.

Hungary says its media law conforms to EU norms and contains passages present in similar legislation of other member states. (Reporting by Gergely Szakacs; Editing by Jon Boyle)

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