🔗 Share this article

Reporters at Hungary's most popular newspaper have expressed shock after a media conglomerate seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is largely considered another effort to increase government influence on the press.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose digital edition reaches about three million digital visitors monthly.

Management Changes

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

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on compelling journalism" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on politics, economic matters, and culture," he stated on social media.

Employee Responses

Staff at Blikk expressed being shocked. "I came close to a cardiac episode when I heard the declaration," stated one reporter, who wished to be unnamed. "In my view, this is ethically questionable."

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

Media Landscape Concerns

Many journalists who have decided to stay say they are in a challenging situation as there are few other media organizations left to which they could seek employment.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive state-aligned press environment to strengthen his public perception and polls.

Election Context

Although significant press acquisitions have typically occurred either following voting or during a calm political phase, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs fewer than six months before April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was viewed as a prime target for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are signalling that they have a serious opponent for the initial occasion in more than a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is promoting promises to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he asserts it has done to Hungary's democracy.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary transaction, saying it signifies another attempt by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's media outlets.

Newspaper's Significance

Though Blikk is a tabloid, famous for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also published many pieces on alleged corruption.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most widely circulated newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," stated a press expert. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in recent years, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If biased information is published by such extensively consumed and popular media, it will have an influence on the general population."

Global Context

For over a decade, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.

Former American officials and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in press freedom rankings.

In 2022, Orbán spoke to a conference of US conservatives that the route to leadership demanded "owning press organizations."

Past Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a legislation that asserted government control over the chief communications authority and put the public broadcaster in the control of supporters.

Proprietorship Details

Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also chief executive of a pro-government private channel.

In a announcement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a successful media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier announced in a release that its decision to sell was "driven exclusively by business strategy factors and our emphasis on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was contacted for statement.