🔗 Share this article

Journalists at the country's most popular newspaper have voiced surprise after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The buyout, which comes as Hungary approaches important elections next year, is largely considered another effort to increase state control on the press.

A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a portfolio of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose digital edition reaches about three million web users monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's departing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and a top executive were leaving in "mutual agreement" with the new owner.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more reader-centered, addressing political affairs, economics, and culture," he said on social media.

Staff Responses

Employees of Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I came close to a heart attack when I was informed of the declaration," remarked one reporter, who requested to remain anonymous. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

Many journalists who have decided to stay acknowledge feeling in a difficult position as there are limited other publications remaining where they could look for work.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread government-supporting media landscape to boost his image and public opinion ratings.

Political Timing

While significant press deals have usually happened either after elections or during a calm political phase, the purchase of Ringier Hungary happens less than six months prior to April's general election.

Blikk was seen as a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when opinion research are suggesting that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in exceeding a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on promises to eliminate deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the harm he says it has caused to Hungary's political freedom.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary deal, stating it represents another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.

Publication's Significance

Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, famous for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the recent years it has also published multiple stories on alleged corruption.

"The publication represents by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a communications specialist. "Their digital platform has become remarkably well-received in recent times, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If biased information is published by such highly popular and popular media, it will have an impact on the citizenry."

International Context

For exceeding a decade now, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "illiberal democracies" around the world.

Previous US leaders and their supporters have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán spoke to a conference of US right-leaning politicians that the route to leadership necessitated "owning press organizations."

Past Media Control

In 2010, Orbán's administration enacted a legislation that imposed state authority over the primary press oversight body and placed the public broadcaster in the control of loyalists.

Proprietorship Details

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government investor who is also top executive of a state-aligned TV network.

In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a successful media company of equivalent magnitude 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 focus on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A official representative was sought for comment.