🔗 Share this article

Media professionals at the country's most popular publication have voiced surprise after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The buyout, which occurs while Hungary approaches crucial elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to expand government influence on the media.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had purchased a portfolio of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose news site reaches about three million web users monthly.

Management Shake-up

Blikk's departing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another senior manager were departing in "common understanding" with the current proprietor.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, addressing political affairs, economic matters, and culture," he said on social media.

Staff Reactions

Employees of Blikk expressed being stunned. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I learned about the announcement," stated one correspondent, who wished to be unnamed. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable."

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

Press Environment Issues

Numerous reporters who have decided to stay admit being in a challenging situation as there are not many other outlets available where they could look for work.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive pro-government media landscape to enhance his reputation and polls.

Political Timing

While important publication deals have typically occurred either post-election or during a stable political time, the purchase of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months prior to April's national vote.

Blikk was seen as a prime target for Orbán and his political organization at a period when surveys are indicating that they have a genuine competitor for the premier instance in exceeding a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on commitments to root out systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he asserts it has affected Hungary's political freedom.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary deal, saying it represents another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Significance

Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, renowned for its entertainment section and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also published multiple stories on suspected graft.

"The publication represents by far the most popular newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," commented a press expert. "Their digital platform has become remarkably well-received in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular website in Hungary. If propaganda features in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the public."

Global Context

For exceeding a ten-year period, Hungary has functioned as a blueprint for other "semi-democratic systems" globally.

Ex-US administrators and their allies have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US traditionalist groups that the route to leadership demanded "having their own media."

Historical Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a regulation that asserted state authority over the main media regulator and put the state broadcaster in the management of allies.

Proprietorship Details

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned investor who is also chief executive of a pro-government private channel.

In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the organization is gaining a well-performing press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier announced in a communication that its determination to transfer was "motivated entirely by strategic economic considerations and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A state communicator was approached for comment.