Beatrix Csaba / Szubjektív Magazin
Independent and free press is a public interest. This sentiment is echoed by a new generation of journalists who are increasingly open about facts that would have remained hidden a few decades ago. They are not intimidated by hierarchy or position—only truth and the right to free expression drive them. They candidly see this as their mission. While some may view their work as courageous, they consider it simply honest reporting.
Balázs Kaufmann’s name has become widely known thanks to his articles. As a journalist, he doesn’t shy away from sensitive, socially transformative topics. His work this year earned him the Népszabadság Freedom of Speech Award. Kaufmann began his career 20 years ago at Hungarian Television, but his experiences there left him uncertain about his place in the field. After some searching, he found his path and now works for 444. Recently, he accepted an invitation from the MÚOSZ Media Academy to speak with current and former students of the Bálint György Journalism Academy about the role of independent media. Here are a few topics he discussed during the conversation.
When did you first realize the responsibility that comes with journalism?
A lot depends on training institutions, and unfortunately, I didn’t have that advantage. At the public television station, the environment was more like a factory. There wasn’t time to focus on young people or newcomers, so I eventually drifted away from the profession. Later, I started looking for my place because I realized that, as a journalist, I could make a significant impact on important issues.
Do you have any international professional connections? How do you see the media landscape in Europe?
I’m most familiar with the Slovak situation through colleagues. Slovakia supports two independent media outlets through a subscription-based model, which, considering the country’s population, is an impressive result. It’s a much larger scale than what we have here, showing that Slovak readers are far more aware of the importance of independent media. I see Slovakia as having a vibrant press scene. Poland is different due to its much larger population of over 37 million, meaning readership numbers are proportionately higher than in Hungary. I also speak with Serbian journalists, who are in a significantly different situation. Comparing the conditions for independent media in former socialist countries within the European media sphere is challenging. But one thing is certain: if politicians want something, they will use the media to achieve it—certainly in Hungary. Moreover, the sustainability of independent media itself is problematic. We lack freelance journalists who can work for multiple outlets, as would be ideal. Most journalists are tied to editorial offices, which influences their work based on the type of media funding they receive.
Should the independence of the press even be a question?
Power will always try to control the media. Independent outlets, such as 444, strive to provide accurate information without yielding to political pressure. There are always risk factors, but they don’t deter us from producing our content. The market should dictate the press’s direction, and competition can positively impact the media. Our duty is to report quickly, accurately, and reliably. Each time, we must find the best way to present facts to readers, regardless of who is involved or their position. There are two critical principles we always adhere to: every published fact must be accurate, and we must not violate any laws. This came up in the recent pardon case. A lawyer sent a letter not only to us but to multiple editorial offices, informing us that President Katalin Novák had granted clemency to an individual involved in an incident at the Bicske Children’s Home. Based on this, we searched available databases and found the ruling, which validated the fact. We only had to piece together the chronology.
If we compare this to an incident at MTV when a politician physically pushed the microphone out of my hand in response to a question he found uncomfortable—while the camera was rolling—it never aired. There was no question of showing that instead of answering, the politician reacted this way. So, we have to ask, why was that? The editor who made the decision not to broadcast it still works in public television. Independent press doesn’t operate like that. If information is substantiated and legally sound, the article, podcast, or video will be published, regardless of the topic or the people involved.
Do investigative journalists need reliable sources, and what risks do sources face?
We do everything we can to protect our sources. At the same time, we consider it socially responsible behavior when people provide journalists with factual, verified information. The press, in turn, is responsible for publishing only fact-based information. Many times, we start with openly accessible data, but often, during investigative work, we reach individuals who can confirm the content’s credibility. In cases like Russian hacker attacks, obtaining reliable information was much more difficult and complicated due to the involvement of diplomatic and intelligence agencies. In such situations, we must proceed even more cautiously—not just to substantiate the facts.
How long does it take to conduct an investigation thoroughly enough for public release?
Some journalists specialize in investigative stories. For example, we’re currently working with Bellingcat, where a single story can take up to six months. At 444, we work differently. We don’t usually create single, large pieces after months of work; instead, we report on the issue as a series, updating readers as events unfold. Our content isn’t limited to written form; we produce podcasts and video materials when necessary.
What are your thoughts on funding independent media?
I’m not the most qualified to answer this, but I see that alongside advertising revenue, we also generate income from subscriptions and grants. The Slovak subscription model works, and perhaps it will grow here as well, becoming a reliable long-term financial resource. However, there are still debates about how subscription models affect the free flow of information. Meanwhile, advertisers are influenced by the market. If a company advertises in government media, they may choose not to advertise in independent media. This is an interesting question regarding the impact of the advertising market.
Do readers appreciate and give feedback on your work?
Yes. The rise in subscriptions indicates that readers value our work. The trust is also visible in the increasing number of people approaching us with information. Often, the topic dictates the format. For the Russian hacker story, we produced both an article and a video, which created a stronger impact than a long article alone. Reaching the maximum audience at the right time and in the right format is essential for us. We choose topics we are passionate about, and it appears that those who turn to us see us as credible media.
How fast do you need to work on news stories?
Associated Press is a global news agency, and I often work with them. News agency video reporting requires high precision, especially since video journalists often work solo. I have my techniques for this. Even with live coverage, I prepare as much as possible beforehand, so that, for example, within 20-25 minutes of a protest starting, a video report is available. There’s no prewritten script! When I started in television, we were taught to write the material even before the crew left the station. There should, of course, be a plan and technical preparations—from securing access to the location to providing power and planning visuals and audio. But on-site details always arise that can’t be anticipated.
In interviews with politicians, how do you maintain control?
In any interview with a politician, the interviewer must take charge. The goal is to produce the story, article, report, or interview that the shoot was organized for. Thorough preparation is essential, so that the interviewee, no matter how high-ranking, can’t throw the journalist off course.
Do you use artificial intelligence in your work?
AI is helpful when we need keywords for searchability. We’re working on a program to handle this task, and we use AI for translations as well. But we don’t use it for article writing.
What are the biggest challenges you face?
It’s important to periodically reflect on where we stand in our lives and careers. The past few years have been intense, so it’s necessary to protect our mental well-being. This isn’t only about burnout but also about the renewal needed to sustain this level of work over time. Getting used to having your name in the spotlight with each piece is also an adjustment—like with the recent pardon case. But many other articles and videos are associated with me too.
Today’s young journalists are very conscious and goal-oriented. They are likely to thrive in newsroom environments that offer frequent opportunities for renewal. This is a promising prospect for the future of journalism. It’s worth paying attention to them and teaching them.