The advertising tax, established in June and apparently aimed at RTL Klub, is currently capped at 50% for those in the top bracket. RTL Klub is the only media outlet in that top bracket. An informant from the Berlin meeting between Lázár and Rudas reportedly told Népszava that the cut in taxes will be made in exchange for better coverage of the government, and that the proposed amendment to the ad tax has already been sent to the legal office of RTL Klub.
Another online daily, nol.hu, reported that their source said the government suggested that, if current RTL Klub CEO Dirk Gerkens leaves the local station, the top ad tax bracket would be reduced to 5%.
Accordng to Népszava’s informant, Rudas will attend the weekly meeting of RTL Klub’s news team in Budapest on Monday, in order to discuss the consequences of his pact with Lázár.
Népszava’s informant said the government is also abolishing a restriction that prevents TV channels from collecting program fees from TV service providers, a measure that has reportedly cost RTL Klub HUF 6-8 bln in revenue.
Népszava reported that Lázár arrived at the negotiations possessing confidential documents regarding the business life of Rudas, thereby putting pressure on the German businessman.
The government has been openly hostile toward RTL Klub, and the tax was widely seen as a way to silence, or punish a critical voice. Since the tax was levied, RTL Klub has increased its negative coverage of the government, and enjoyed a massive growth in viewership of its news programs.
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For over 30 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
