Hungary’s National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) has officially registered Rainbow TV (Szivárvány TV), paving the way for the launch of the country’s first linear LGBTQI television channel. The station will be operated by New Digital Media Ltd. and is expected to begin broadcasting in the coming months, Media1 reports.

According to the company, Rainbow TV will initially be available on the cable networks of EuroCable Hungary and through the AM Mikro MMDS microwave television system. Tamás Pataki, Managing Director of New Digital Media, told Media1 that he hopes all Hungarian television distributors will eventually add the channel to their lineups, ensuring broad access to diverse content for viewers across the country.

Pataki described the registration as an important milestone for equal opportunities and media pluralism in Hungary.

“The authority’s decision demonstrates that equal treatment and equal opportunities can also be realized within Hungary’s media landscape,” the company said in a statement.

According to the broadcaster, Rainbow TV’s mission is to serve as a bridge between people from different backgrounds and communities. The channel says it intends to avoid daily political battles and instead focus on credible, entertaining and educational programming.

The planned schedule includes cultural and entertainment programs, arts and music shows, culinary content, talk shows, life-story interviews and programs exploring the history of the LGBTQI community. Adult content will be encrypted and accessible only to adult subscribers through legally required technical protections.

The broadcaster emphasized that it will comply with all applicable regulations, with particular attention to child protection rules, professional ethics and standards of decency.