The government of Hungary has shut down Emmis Communications-owned Slager Radio (100.8FM), transferring the license to a Hungarian political party, despite a higher bid from Emmis. In the 12 years Emmis has owned what was the most popular Hungarian radio station, the company spent nearly $170 million on the station, and employed an all-Hungarian staff. Ratings show Slager reached nearly 3.5 million listeners per week, out of a national population of 10 million. Emmis Chairman & CEO Jeff Smulyan says, “We are deeply disappointed, not only for Emmis and our people, but most of all for the people of Hungary. Whenever freedom and democracy are taken away, every citizen suffers immeasurably. All of Hungary has suffered today.” Emmis announced they plan to file a lawsuit in the courts of Hungary and the European Union, demanding relief for what it calls process that was “politically corrupt and contrary to the interests of the Hungarian people.”