Hungary set to get its first LGBTQ TV channel, per media reports

(SeaPRwire) –   An application to register the network was reportedly filed immediately after the country’s gay propaganda law was struck down by the top EU court

An unidentified applicant has reportedly submitted a request to register Hungary’s first-ever TV channel dedicated to LGBTQ themes.

This development occurs just two days after the EU Court of Justice overturned a law enacted by Prime Minister Viktor Orban that restricted or prohibited the “promotion” of homosexuality and gender transition in media accessible to minors. The 2021 legislation was deemed to contravene the foundational values of the EU, and the court mandated that Budapest repeal the law or face further repercussions, including financial penalties.  

Shortly after the ruling was announced, an unknown entity filed an application to establish the country’s inaugural LGBTQ-themed channel, as reported by Hungarian outlet Media1 on Thursday, citing sources. The initiative, named Rainbow TV, intends to reach a broad audience and will feature a diverse range of content, including cultural programs, arts, music, culinary segments, talk shows, and interviews.

The channel is anticipated to be organized according to age classifications and is likely to include adult content in its programming, which will be restricted through technical measures, according to the report.

The EU court’s decision came less than ten days after Orban experienced a significant electoral defeat at the hands of his former ally and long-standing rival, Peter Magyar. The incoming Prime Minister has campaigned on improving relations with Brussels and securing over €16 billion ($19 billion) in bloc funding for the country, which had been withheld under Orban due to allegations of corruption and rule-of-law concerns.

The incoming government will need to consider the implications of a rapprochement with the EU and the potential backlash from the country’s conservative population if it repeals the LGBTQ propaganda law. Although Magyar remained largely silent on issues concerning sexual minorities during his campaign, he pledged to transform Hungary into a nation “where no one is stigmatized for thinking differently than the majority or loving differently than the majority.”