For 16 years under the former Orbán regime, Hungary’s independent journalists worked tirelessly to hold that government accountable, including exposing staggering corruption and abuses of power.
They did so while operating in the most captured media environment in the European Union — and in the face of relentless state propaganda designed to manipulate public opinion and discredit independent journalists and their fact-based reporting.
Yet amid these pressures, Hungary’s independent journalists and media outlets refused to be silenced or to compromise their commitment to the essential watchdog role of the press: to inform the public and to hold the powerful to account, without fear or favor.
Their persistence and dedication to reporting independent news and information helped sustain Hungarian democracy through more than a decade and a half of authoritarian backsliding. Amid a flood of state propaganda and disinformation, their investigations and reporting were vital to enabling Hungarians to make informed choices at the polls—including during the April 2026 election that ousted the Orbán government.
In recognition of this exemplary and inspiring commitment to press freedom in the face of enormous obstacles, IPI is honoured to name Hungary’s independent journalists a 2026 recipient of the World Press Freedom Hero Award. The award recognises the country’s independent journalists and media outlets for their outstanding contributions to defending and safeguarding freedom of the press and Hungarian democracy.
“At a time when democracy is under attack globally, Hungary’s independent journalists have demonstrated the indispensable role of a free press in defending against autocracy,” IPI Executive Director Scott Griffen said. “Hungary’s example is proof that independent journalism is a powerful antidote against the propaganda and falsehoods that so often propel illiberal and authoritarian regimes.”
The award marks the second consecutive year that IPI has recognised the achievements of Hungary’s independent media community. In 2025, Hungary’s independent media received the IPI-IMS Free Media Pioneer Award for its creative and pioneering efforts to launch and sustain independent newsrooms in an increasingly hostile environment, including by developing innovative funding and revenue models.
The World Press Freedom Hero Award celebrates the determination of Hungary’s independent journalists and newsrooms to shine light on government corruption and abuse of power throughout 16 years of autocratic rule — and the remarkable impact of this work on the country’s democracy.
“In honouring Hungary’s independent journalists as 2026 World Press Freedom Heroes, we are celebrating the fundamental power of journalism — and sending a message to independent journalists around the world that the work they do to hold power to account matters,” Griffen added.
About the World Press Freedom Hero Award
The IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero Award honours journalists who have made significant contributions to independent journalism, particularly in the face of great personal risk. Other 2026 recipients of the award are Mónica González (Chile) and Patricia Evangelista (Philippines).
Last year, as IPI marked its 75th anniversary, seven journalists from Ethiopia, Georgia, Hong Kong, Palestine, Peru, Ukraine, and the United States were named World Press Freedom Heroes. See all past award recipients.
This year’s awards will be presented together with the IPI-IMS Free Media Pioneer Award at a special event at this year’s Gabo Festival (July 24-26, Bogotá, Colombia), the leading event for journalists in Ibero-America.