A new study by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) sheds light on Hungarian media consumption and trust. The results indicate that television remains the most-watched and trusted medium, while print media is perceived as the least credible. However, trust in all media platforms varies significantly by age, with younger audiences showing the highest levels of confidence.
According to the NMHH study, 71 per cent of Hungarians aged 18-79 watch television daily, making it the most popular medium, followed by social media (66 per cent). Online and print media are significantly less popular.
Despite overall low media trust, television is still regarded as the most reliable platform, especially for political news. One-third of respondents consider TV the most trustworthy source, although 72 per cent also perceive it as biased. Online news sites follow TV in terms of credibility, while print media is viewed with the most scepticism.
Interestingly, while social media is seen as the least biased platform, only half of respondents consider it reliable. Furthermore, 78 per cent of Hungarians believe political news should be as independent as possible.
The survey highlights growing concerns over misinformation, with 90 per cent of respondents encountering false news. Online media, particularly social platforms and news websites, are identified as the primary sources of disinformation, with three-quarters of misleading content being politically themed.
The ability to detect fake news declines with age, whereas higher education levels correlate with better media literacy. However, very few people (only 4 per cent) report false information when they come across it.
The role of artificial intelligence in journalism is largely viewed neutrally by Hungarians. While many appreciate AI’s efficiency in reducing workload, concerns about its role in spreading misinformation remain prevalent.
The full study is available on the NMHH website.
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