Who Owns HVG? Ownership, Political Bias, and Editorial Standards
HVG Overview and Political Bias
HVG is frequently described by observers as a liberal-leaning, pro-market publication. Critics, particularly those aligned with the Hungarian government, often allege an anti-establishment bias. Conversely, supporters characterize it as an independent watchdog providing objective investigative journalism and economic analysis, though it is viewed by some as representing globalist viewpoints.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Left |
| Estimated number of readers | 1,500,000 |
| Israel support | Mainstream Western / Balanced |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Elite / Intellectual / Business |
HVG History
Established in 1979 during Hungary's socialist era, Heti Világgazdaság originally focused on international economic news. It transitioned into a broader news weekly after 1989, gaining a reputation for professional independence. It launched its online portal, hvg.hu, in the early 2000s, becoming one of the country's most prominent news sources.
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Who owns HVG?
HVG is owned by HVG Kiadó Zrt., a company predominantly controlled by its own management and employees following a buyback from foreign investors. Unlike many Hungarian outlets, it remains independent of the Central European Press and Media Foundation (KESMA), relying largely on subscriptions, print sales, and advertising revenue.