About us

The Publisher

BZT Media Kft. is 100% privately owned by managing director and founder, Jan Mainka, and his wife, Dr. Jelena Krankovics. Mr. Mainka was born in Berlin, but has lived in Budapest since 1988. He graduated from the Budapest University of Economics and, after being a journalist at various news outlets for five years, established the publishing company Budapester Zeitung Kft. in March of 1999. Only one month later, the first issue of the German-language weekly Budapester Zeitung became available at local newsstands. Since September 2003, the English-language weekly The Budapest Times has also been published by BZT Media Kft.

The Papers

Our two newspapers, The Budapest Times and Budapester Zeitung, have fought their way to the top and now are the only weeklies in their respective languages on the market. The papers are produced by two separate editorial teams with Mr. Mainka overseeing Budapester Zeitung, while the largely British staff of The Budapest Times is led by Canadian managing editor Allan Boyko, who has been with the newspaper since the beginning. Both publications employ skilfull, multilingual journalists, as well as renowned domestic and foreign experts.

Target Audience

Both of our papers are primarily read by German- and English- speaking expatriate business people, as well as members of the diplomatic corps. In addition, there is a growing appeal to Hungarians attracted to politically independent reports, to those interested in our exclusive interviews, and for individuals trying to enhance their language skills. A significant number of language schools use our articles to prepare their students for special language exams.

Primary Task

Since most expats living in Hungary do not speak the national language, we believe that our most important task is to provide our readers with up-to-date and understandable information on Hungarian politics, business, economy, news and culture.

Political Orientation

Both newspapers are strongly independent. Within the politically divided Hungarian press market, they stand for serious and objective journalism and analysis.