🔗 Share this article

Media professionals at the country's most-read newspaper have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The purchase, which comes as Hungary gears up for pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to expand government influence on the news outlets.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a portfolio of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose online platform attracts approximately three million online readers monthly.

Leadership Shake-up

Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another senior manager were exiting in "mutual agreement" with the acquiring company.

They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on engaging content" and to be "more public-oriented, covering political affairs, economics, and cultural topics," he said on social media.

Employee Reactions

Employees of Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I came close to a cardiac episode when I was informed of the declaration," remarked one correspondent, who requested to remain unnamed. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has introduced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain acknowledge feeling in a challenging situation as there are few other outlets remaining where they could seek employment.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government news ecosystem to boost his image and polls.

Political Timing

Although important publication acquisitions have usually happened either after elections or during a calm political phase, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months ahead of April's general election.

Blikk was considered a prime target for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are suggesting that they have a serious opponent for the premier instance in exceeding a decade.

Opposition Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is promoting pledges to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he says it has caused to Hungary's democratic system.

He has condemned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it represents another move by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Importance

While Blikk is a tabloid, renowned for its celebrity news and sensational captions, in the last several years it has also published many pieces on alleged corruption.

"Blikk is by far the most popular daily newspaper in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," said a media analyst. "Their digital platform has become remarkably well-received in recent times, becoming the fourth most popular online site in Hungary. If propaganda is published by such highly popular and popular media, it will have an influence on the citizenry."

International Context

For over a ten-year period, Hungary has functioned as a example for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.

Former American officials and their associates have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán told a conference of US traditionalist groups that the way to governance necessitated "having their own media."

Historical Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a law that established official oversight over the chief communications authority and positioned the public broadcaster in the hands of loyalists.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government investor who is also chief executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a successful press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and successful brands that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier stated in a communication that its determination to transfer was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our focus on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A official representative was sought for statement.