🔗 Share this article Shock as Government Supporters Acquire Hungary's Most-Read Newspaper Media professionals at Hungary's most-read publication have voiced surprise after a media group seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners. Context of Purchase The acquisition, which comes as Hungary prepares for pivotal elections next year, is largely considered another attempt to increase government influence on the press. A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a collection of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular tabloid whose online platform reaches about three million online readers monthly. Leadership Changes Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "shared decision" with the acquiring company. They had been hired seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on politics, economic matters, and culture," he stated on social media. Employee Reactions Staff at Blikk admitted feeling taken aback. "I came close to a heart attack when I heard the announcement," said one correspondent, who wished to be unidentified. "Personally, this is ethically questionable." Blikk has introduced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry. Media Landscape Concerns Many journalists who have chosen to remain acknowledge feeling in a challenging situation as there are not many other outlets left to which they could seek employment. During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling government-supporting news ecosystem to boost his image and public opinion ratings. Political Context While important publication acquisitions have typically occurred either after elections or during a stable political time, the buyout of Ringier Hungary occurs under six months before April's general election. Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a period when opinion research are signalling that they have a serious opponent for the initial occasion in over a decade. Political Rival Reaction The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is running on promises to eliminate systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he asserts it has caused to Hungary's democracy. He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it signifies another attempt by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's press organizations. Publication's Importance While Blikk is a popular newspaper, renowned for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the last several years it has also run multiple stories on possible misconduct. "This newspaper stands as by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a media analyst. "Its online site has become remarkably well-received in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If propaganda appears in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the general population." International Context For exceeding a decade, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" globally. Ex-US administrators and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in press freedom rankings. In 2022, Orbán told a conference of US conservatives that the way to governance required "having their own media." Past Media Control In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a law that asserted official oversight over the chief communications authority and placed the state broadcaster in the hands of loyalists. Ownership Details Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also top executive of a state-aligned TV network. In a statement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the company is acquiring a profitable publication group of similar size to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian media landscape." Ringier announced in a release that its determination to transfer was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our concentration on our primary online operations in Hungary." A state communicator was sought for response.