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 Mr. Mainka's company, which changed
its name to BZT Media Kft. in January of 2007.
The Papers
Our two most important publications, the Budapester Zeitung and The
Budapest Times, are produced by two separate editorial teams. The managing
editor of the Budapester Zeitung is Ágnes Lukács, while the staff of The
Budapest Times is led by Canadian, Allan Boyko. Both publications
employ skilfull, multilingual journalists, as well as renowned domestic
and foreign experts. Since the beginning of 2007, the Internet versions of both
papers are produced and managed by the on-line partner, GIStance Interactive.
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 and Culture.
Political Orientation
Both the Budapester
Zeitung and The Budapest Times are strongly independent. Within the
politically divided Hungarian press market, they stand for serious and
objective journalism and analysis.
