🔗 Share this article Shock as Government Supporters Acquire Hungary's Most-Read Daily Publication Media professionals at the country's most-read publication have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners. Timing of Purchase The purchase, which comes as Hungary approaches crucial elections next year, is largely considered another effort to increase state control on the media. A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had acquired a portfolio of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose news site draws around three million digital visitors monthly. Management Changes Blikk's former chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another senior manager were exiting in "shared decision" with the current proprietor. Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing politics, economics, and culture," he said on Facebook. Staff Reactions Workers from Blikk said they were taken aback. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I heard the news," remarked one correspondent, who wished to be anonymous. "For me, this is professionally concerning." Blikk has named a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry. Media Landscape Issues Several media professionals who have decided to stay say they are in a complex circumstance as there are few other outlets available where they could look for work. Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive state-aligned press environment to enhance his reputation and polls. Election Context Whereas significant press acquisitions have usually happened either after elections or during a stable political time, the purchase of Ringier Hungary happens under six months before April's general election. Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his party at a period when opinion research are signalling that they have a real challenger for the first time in exceeding a decade. Political Rival Reaction The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on promises to root out systemic graft, has been direct about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he says it has done to Hungary's democratic system. He has questioned the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it represents another move by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's press organizations. Publication's Importance Although Blikk is a tabloid, famous for its entertainment section and sensational captions, in the last several years it has also published multiple stories on possible misconduct. "This newspaper stands as by far the most popular newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," commented a communications specialist. "Their digital platform has become unexpectedly successful in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular online site in Hungary. If partisan content is published by such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an impact on the public." International Context For more than a decade, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" around the world. Ex-US administrators and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes. In 2022, Orbán addressed a conference of US traditionalist groups that the route to leadership necessitated "controlling media outlets." Historical Press Control In 2010, Orbán's administration enacted a regulation that imposed state authority over the main media regulator and placed the national media outlet in the hands of allies. Ownership Details Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned businessman who is also chief executive of a pro-government private channel. In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is gaining a well-performing press organization of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian media landscape." Ringier stated in a release that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary." A official representative was sought for comment.