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| Type | Television |
|---|---|
| Country | Hungary |
| Availability | National, International in neighbouring countries and www.mtv.hu |
| Motto | First Hungarian Television |
| Slogan | "Értéket közvetít" (Transmitting Values) |
| Owner | Government of Hungary |
| Key people | Balázs Medveczky |
| Launch date | 1957 |
| Official Website | The new website) |
Magyar Televízió (Hungarian Television) is a Hungarian national public service television company, which operates three TV channels, called m1 (m1 HD), m2 (m2 HD) and m3, the oldest television station in Hungary. There is another public service channel, Duna TV, independent from MTV. Up until July 2002, when the government took over the payment of licence fees from members of the public, MTV was funded by the levying of a television licence on all households with a television set. As a result of the governments move, MTV's funding now comes from government grants and television commercials[1]. MTV is a member of the EBU.
Contents |
History
The Early Years (1954-1969)
First pioneer transmissions were in Hotel Gellért in 1936. Test transmissions commenced in 1954, however these were generally with stills or short clips of motion pictures, merely for experimental purposes. Regular test transmissions could be received from February 23, 1957. Transmissions began officially on 1 May 1957, when the May Day ceremonies were brought to the viewers for the first time. Daily news programmes began on July 2, 1957. The television service began its career as part of Hungarian Radio, which was re-named to Hungarian Radio and Television on August 18, 1957. MTV suggested the establishment of an international organisation for exchanging television material, which was to be named Intervision. The first four members of the organisation were Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary and Poland.
By 1959, Hungarian Television had over 50,000 subscribers. In 1960, the Corporation decided to establish an archive, where its programmes are stored even today. In less than ten years of operation, MTV had some 2.7 million viewers by 1964. Studies showed that there were about 3-5 viewers per television set. Another study revealed that by 1965, 46% of the inhabitants of rural areas named television as their choice of entertainment, instead of reading (25%) or radio (10%).
Theatrical transmissions were popular at this time: in 1966 23 plays were broadcast from Budapest, 20 from other cities. Also, 25 television movies and five musicals were transmitted this year.
1969 brought the one millionth subscriber, which meant about 4 million viewers. The first colour recording was made this year: it was Bartók's The Miraculous Mandarin. Although the Orion company presented its first colour television set, transmissions continued to be in black-and-white until 1971.
The 1970s
1971 brought the first regular transmission in colour, and the test transmissions of a second channel were begun as well. This decade was probably the most proliferous in the history of the whole company, with thousands of hours of programming made.
The 1980s
Annual programming time reached 4.300 hours, equalling to 83 hours a week. Teletext services commenced in 1981, called Képújság (Picture Newspaper), and television manufacturers started including teletext decoders in their sets. Long-running programmes were started in this decade, including Ablak (Window) and Panoráma (a foreign affairs programme). Regional programming began in 1984 in Pécs, and cable television began in Székesfehérvár the same year. RTV, a programme guide similar to BBC's Radio Times was bought by 1.4 million viewers weekly. MTV's gradual decline began in 1985, this was the final year when MTV was self-sufficient.
The first broadcast of a telenovela on Hungarian television happened in the mid-1980s with the premier of the Brazilian Escrava Isaura (Hungarian title: Rabszolgasors - "Slave Destiny" in English). The first Hungarian soap opera Szomszédok (Hungarian for "Neighbors") also started its 12-year-run in 7 May 1987 and was broadcasted every second Thursday.[1]
By the late 1980s, experimental digital television recordings were made, but at the time only in studios. From 1988 seniors of 70 years were exempted from payment of the licence fee. Minority programmes in other languages began too: these programmes were recorded generally in regional studios, primarily in Pécs and Szeged. The second programme of MTV was given some independence from the first, and just like at the BBC, they were given separate controllers.
The 1990s
With the changeover from socialism, MTV was completely re-structured, some posts were abolished while others were created. Some programmes were axed from both channels, and new ones were started. This decade was a very hectic time in the life of the Company, as TV-presidents seemed to come and go, and so did the programmes.
MTV was admitted as a full active member of the European Broadcasting Union on January 1, 1993. In 1994, a new public service television station was started, and was named Duna TV. This was completely independent from MTV, although some collaboration exists between the two. Commercial channels became available to cable viewers in Budapest the same year.
7 days programming starting in 1989 for m1 and 1991 for m2. In 80's, Each channel broadcast only on weekdays.
In 1997, TV2, a commercial channel was to be launched on the frequency where m2 used to be. However, MTV argued that by doing this, its audience would be given to the new channel as a present, which would mean severe disadvantage to both MTV and RTL Klub, the other debutee commercial channel. The authorities decided to leave the frequency empty, and allocate a new frequency to TV2. m2, however, was still moved to digital terrestrial television, satellite and cable reception only, which, at the time was quite rare. The programming available on MTV-2 was aimed at audiences which were most unlikely to receive the channel, so this meant a severe handicap for the company. Currently the company is recuperating from the decline earlier.
During the nineties the MTV gradually lost its independence and became the voice of the all-time government, often accused of biased on comme nting news. Currently it is one of the most popular sources of news, and its background news programmes such as Az Este (The Evening) are both liked and internationally recognised. Its line-up of programmes feature long-running shows, such as the science news programme Delta, whilst other programmes like A Hét (The Week), a weekly review programme and Ablak (Window), an afternoon-long umbrella programme featuring general interest programmes, were both axed in recent years. It is most likely that these programmes fell victim of the commercial channels gaining their audiences but Ablak is still on air on m1.
m1 start having noon program in 1995. It is first program with the clock before start. Then clock later use for all programs in 1997 and the noon program has bean ceased in 1998. But the closedown clocks is in black. While the noon program clock is in white. But later black. Then in 2000 the clock changed style many times.
The website of MTV launched in early 1996, The website wasn't www.mtv.hu. But it have the same look as www.mtv.hu during 2000-2004. MTV tested their new server (www.mtv.hu) in mid-1999. At that time the website is written only "Coming soon this Y2K" and the countdown until 2000. Sadly, this cannot be seen from archive.org. The old website still available until late 2000. But no updates to the website. and the new website isn't available until March 2000.
The 2000s
MTV is continuously underfinanced, just like many other public service channels around the globe, and is therefore struggling to produce programmes.
Whilst remaining entirely state-owned, the company was re-organised as a Closely Held Corporation (akin to PLC). Its funding has changed significantly too when TV licencing stopped in 2002. This meant that the company is entirely relying on the government grants, and since it is a Closely Held Corporation, it isn't allowed to go public, ie. enter the stock market. This leaves the company in constant debt, and needs to be bailed out continuously by the government. The lack of funding has a strong influence on both the quality and quantity of programming.
The 2006 protests hadn't let the headquarters unscatched; in fact, it was occupied by the rioters for a short time.
On September 27, 2004, mtv.hu was shut-down. And moved to hirado.hu. The website was returned on May 1, 2007. But just the main page. Other pages are in hirado.hu. The site shut down for good in 2008.
In 2001, m1 was a 24 hours TV station with its sister channel, m2. But in 2002, they follow the suggestion from the government so they let m1 sign off once again. But m2 continues being 24 hours.
On December 12, 2009, Both channels close at 22:00
2010-present day
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The building where MTV currently resides has been sold, and plans have been made to re-locate the Company in one of the outer districts of Budapest. Although no specific plans have been disclosed so far, it was announced that a purpose-built complex will be erected to house the Hungarian Television. This move would be just as significant, and no less painful, than the BBC's move from Crystal Palace to White City.
Appearances
Identity
MTV is trying to modernise its appearance to re-gain the confidence of its viewers lost to commercial channels. It has had many face-lifts during the last decade. First, its channels were re-branded m1 and m2, and a new identity was given to both. By 2006, the company has changed its identity to the household items like beds, towels, spoons, desks and zoom into that furniture and lines start growing, birds start flying and then zoom out into another item. Old idents featured Hungarian landscapes, scenes of life, In 2008, they were brought in-line with the recent revival of folk art, It is almost the same as 2006 one. But instead of lines it is changed to blue rope. The company adopted the motto "Broadcasting values" as a declaration of its dedication to quality and upholding values and their culture for Hungary.
Logo History
MTV changed logos many times since 2000. Before 2000 there was three unofficial logos. During 1996-1998 the logo show only 20:00 to 24:00 each day. For the day that close before 24:00 they show only until close.
It was a Red Green Blue MTV Logo (MTV) which broadcast from May 1, 1957 to April 30, 1997. Then later the MTV with 1 or 2 under T in 1999. And then squares in many colors with channel name in it used in 2000-2002. Then the plain blue/orange square with "mtv" or "m1", "m2" on it.
News
MTV start having news program since 1959. The first version of the title is the camera. It is the famous version used until 1985 then they change to the orange floor and the orange earth written Híradó with the brand new music. The newer version was in 1988 when they change to green but the music still being the same until 1990. In 1990 they change to the blue background with Híradó with the new music used until 1992 and they change to the gray background with Hungary flag used until 1995 then they change to sky blue version (Earth on the clock) which used until 2001 then change to the earth spinning version and it is the first title with the globe. In 2002 they change to the blue elements which move fastly then they change again in 2007 to the red version which contains cities around the world.
Clocks
The prototype of MTV clock started on December 31, 1957 at 11:56pm by 4 kids dancing to Happy New Year song and show the "1" "9" "5" and "7" and last 15 seconds, They will say the current time just like the speaking clock. Then at midnight, They say "1958" in Hungarian and people who hold "7" sign change the sign to "8". And the follow new years it is the same but change numbers. The new year 1980 they changed into the testcard. (The testcard now show time. So they can use it like a clock.). But for other purposes (like start-up, Híradó waiting and closedown transmission) they use the break screen instead. The break screen is used until 1997 then change to the clock.
In 1989, m1 ceased the school programming and in that year the program Nap Kelte (Breakfast program) and Délután! (Afternoon program) was launched, It is first program to have the clock. Then the official start of the clock was in late 1997 for both m1 and m2.
There are two clocks are the history.
Prior to 2000 for MTV1, it was the plain clock on black (Prior to 1996 white) background. In 2000 and 2005, The clock is changed into the white clock on the background of the look (e.g. The look is blue, The clock background is blue). On March 15, 2006, the clock is a cookie and is used until 2007. Now, The clock is white on the blue background with bricks at the side.
Test Card
The testcard was PM5544 until 2003. But have minor changes like showing time and date.
- The black and white testcard designed in Hungary
- 1971-1979 is PM5544 testcard without time and date.
- Newer testcard, 1979 to 1983 - PM5544 testcard with time, Upper text is MTV. Lower text is Budapest (weekdays) and EBU colorbars with "MTV BUDAPEST" and time below (weeekend)
- Updated testcard, Broadcast previously, 1983-2002. Instead of only time, There is date. But sometimes just testcard with no time and date.
- Colorgreybars with no identities.
- August 4, 2009-now - FUBK
Broadcast hours throughout the years
In 1957, They broadcast only on Monday and few hours per week. It continues broadcasting only one day per week until 1984 but they start having some programs broadcast on other days to prepare the 7 days broadcasting and never loose to private television stations. The official launch of 5 days broadcasting was in 1985 and sometimes there is also the weekend programs to prepare but the official 7 days broadcasting hasn't come until 1995 and 1997 for m2. In early 2000 they follow government's suggestions so they broadcast only from Monday to Thursday for m1 and Monday to Wednesday for m2 and from 6:00 to 1:30 but the 7 days broadcasting comes again in May 2000 when they're trying to regain the watchers. Now, m1 still not the 24 hours station while m2 is.
m1
- 1983-1989 opens between 7:00 to 8:00 (Up to when is the start of school) (13:30 on Christmas and New Year, 18:00 during break between semesters (post-school)) . Closes sometimes between 23:45 and 2:00[2]
- 1989-1999 opens at 6:30. closes sometimes between 23:45 and 2:00
- January-February 2000 opens 24 hours. But they follow government's suggestions so they close again. While m2 broadcasts 24 hours
- February 2000-2004 opens at 5:35 and closes between 0:30 and 2:30
- 2005-2009 opens at 5:35 and 6:00 and 5:20 closes sometimes between 0:30 and 3:00
- Since 2009 opens at 5:53 and 5:25. Closes sometimes between 1:00 and 3:30
- 1957-1984 only on Mondays.
- 1984-1995 only Monday-Friday.
- Since 1995 7 days broadcasting
m2
- 1983-1986 opens at 19:00 and closes between 23:45 and 1:30.[3]
- 1986-1989 opens at 16:30 and closes between 0:30 and 2:00.
- 1989-1993 opens at 15:00 and closes between 0:15 and 1:00.
- 1993-1998 opens at 12:30 and closes sometimes between 0:00 and 1:15
- 1998-2000 opens at 7:00 closes sometimes between 0:00 and 2:30
- Since 2000 opens 24 hours (Started from 5:35 on Saturday, January 1, 2000).
- 1971-1984 only on Mondays.
- 1984-1997 only on Monday-Friday (Sunday programs were moved to Thursday. Another part moved to m1)
- Since 1997 7 days broadcasting.
National Anthems
Each night when they're closing down and the New Year's Day at 12:00, They play the national anthem
National anthem launched on September 15, 1971. The anthem video is the parliament outside and inside during 1971-1997 and since 2000. m2's anthem video is the same until 1990. Then they change to the flag only and few days later they change back to the parliament but Himnusz stop broadcasting on m2 in 1993 and replace by Szózat. Video for Szózat have 2 versions. In 1997 they're trying to change the look so they change the video to the Hungarian flag in the white background but they change back in 2000 when people loves the old one.
MTV Trademark Suit
Magyar Televízió, who has a trademark on the initials MTV registered with the Hungarian copyright office, sued the American MTV Music Television network for trademark infringement when MTV Music Television launched a Hungarian-language channel in 2007. The suit is still ongoing.
Location
The Hungarian Television's central building was located in the heart of Budapest on Szabadság tér (Freedom Square), across the Hungarian National Bank (Magyar Nemzeti Bank), the U.S. Embassy, and near to the Parliament. The building gave room to the Stock Exchange before the war. It is sold now and MTV has moved to the outskirts of Budapest to a purpose-built modern building. The old headquarters can be reached by a 5 minutes walk from Kossuth tér where Metro line 2 stops.
Notes
Bibliography
- Magyarország a XX. században - A Magyar Televízió Története Országos Széchenyi Könyvtár (in Hungarian)
External links
- MTV Online (in Hungarian)
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Coordinates: 47°30′13.44″N 19°2′58.21″E / 47.5037333°N 19.0495028°E
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