Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Hungarian President Signs Controversial Media Law VOA News 30 December 2010 Hungary's President Pal Schmitt (file photo) Photo: AFP Hungary's President Pal Schmitt (file photo) Hungarian President Pal Schmitt Thursday signed into law controversial legislation that gives the government greater control over news media outlets, despite mounted criticism by other European Union nations. The new media law takes effect January 1, the day Hungary takes over the rotating EU presidency. It imposes large fines on all broadcasters, publishers, and Internet outlets that distribute content authorities say is offensive, unfair, and not in the "public interest." Germany Thursday expressed hope that Budapest would act to change the law, which has been criticized as infringing on free speech.  But Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban rejected the idea, and attributed criticism to a lack of understanding of the situation in Hungary. Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi said critics should reserve judgement until they see how the law works in practice. Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP, Bloomberg and Reuters. .