A wave of layoffs and media closures has spread beyond the Mediaworks group to other outlets historically aligned with the previous government. Following significant staff reductions at Mediaworks, companies such as the Megafon Nonprofit Kft. and Mandiner Zrt. are facing fiscal instability after failing to build financial reserves despite receiving substantial funding in 2025.
Financial performance and operational shifts
Mandiner Zrt. reported a loss of 1.1 billion forints for 2025, despite generating approximately 1.8 billion forints in revenue. A significant portion of this income originated from advertisements, including state-funded sources, supplemented by 1.1 billion forints in support from the MCC Foundation. Financial reports indicate that the company allocated 1.4 billion forints to salaries, resulting in an average monthly net wage of 750,000 to 800,000 forints per employee.
Megafon Nonprofit Kft. operated with 8.6 billion forints in funding during 2025, though the firm reported no significant revenue. While the company did not provide a detailed breakdown of its expenditures, reports suggest average monthly wages ranged from 1.5 million to 2.1 million forints, depending on the tax structure utilized. Large portions of the remaining 5.6 billion forints in funding were likely directed toward social media advertising and promotional costs.
Mandiner Zrt. spent 921 million forints on “advertisement, marketing, and propaganda” costs in 2025, accounting for roughly one-quarter of its total annual budget.
Future operational uncertainty
Mandiner Zrt. has explicitly signaled that its future operations are not guaranteed. The company’s annual report for 2025 notes that revenues declined in 2026, leading the firm to request additional support from its primary owner, the MCC Foundation. As of late May 2026, the MCC Foundation had not reached a decision on this funding, creating what the report describes as “significant uncertainty regarding the principle of business continuity.”
The allocation of 175.6 million forints into a reorganization reserve suggests that management anticipated staff reductions before the 2025 financial reports were finalized. This practice typically indicates a shift toward downsizing, as such reserves are commonly intended to cover severance costs during corporate restructuring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these media companies facing layoffs?
According to company filings, these outlets failed to establish financial reserves while relying on high levels of external funding. With revenue streams now declining, they are unable to sustain previous spending levels.
What was the primary expenditure for Mandiner Zrt.?
Beyond salary costs, the firm spent 921 million forints on advertising and propaganda, which represented approximately 25% of its total budget.
Is the future of Mandiner Zrt. secure?
No. The company’s own reporting states there is “significant uncertainty” regarding its continued operation, as it awaits a decision from the MCC Foundation regarding further financial support.
How do you think the shifting funding landscape will impact the quality of independent journalism in the coming years?
