Dr. Bőzsöny Ferenc Plaque

Who wouldn’t recognize that voice? Right here, at the Dr. Bőzsöny Ferenc Plaque, we commemorate the man whose voice resonated throughout Hungary for decades. The Dr. Bőzsöny Ferenc Plaque, installed in 2019 by the local government, marks the building where Dr. Ferenc Bőzsöny lived for decades. The inscription tells us he lived in this very house. It also reminds us of his incredible career as the principal announcer of the Magyar Rádió. Born in Pécs in 1931, Bőzsöny originally intended to become a priest. He began his studies at a Piarist high school in Veszprém in 1947. However, political changes in 1952 interrupted his theological path, forcing the seminary’s closure. He tried six times to enter higher education but was rejected due to his background and beliefs. He worked as a theologian until 1952. While serving as a radio operator during his military service in Esztergom, an officer suggested he audition for the Magyar Rádió. He faced stiff competition, with over 3,000 applicants. Yet, his distinct voice prevailed. Bőzsöny’s first live broadcast on Kossuth Rádió was on August 24, 1956. He later recalled experiencing the tumultuous events of the Hungarian Revolution firsthand from the radio station. Even while working as an announcer, Bőzsöny pursued his education. He earned a teaching degree in Hungarian and history from Eötvös Loránd University. He later obtained a doctorate in Hungarian Linguistics in 1973. Bőzsöny became a member of the Hungarian Linguistic Society and the language committee of Magyar Rádió. For over 40 years, his voice narrated the popular television program “Delta.” He was also the first narrator of the “Déli Harangszó” series which showcased the history of Hungarian church bells, starting in the year 2000. He hosted many other notable programs and events throughout his career, becoming a beloved figure in Hungarian media. Dr. Bőzsöny Ferenc passed away in Budapest on October 25, 2018, at the age of 87. The Dr. Bőzsöny Ferenc Plaque stands as a testament to the enduring power of his voice. A voice that informed, entertained, and soothed a nation for generations.