🔗 Share this article

Journalists at Hungary's most-read publication have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The buyout, which comes as Hungary gears up for crucial elections next year, is largely considered another attempt to expand government influence on the media.

A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose news site draws around three million web users monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's outgoing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and a top executive were departing in "shared decision" with the acquiring company.

They were appointed seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing politics, economics, and cultural topics," he said on social media.

Employee Reactions

Workers from Blikk expressed being shocked. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I learned about the announcement," stated one reporter, who wished to be unnamed. "Personally, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has named a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Several media professionals who have chosen to remain acknowledge feeling in a difficult position as there are few other publications available where they could apply.

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

Election Context

While significant press acquisitions have typically occurred either following voting or during a calm political phase, the purchase of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months prior to April's general election.

Blikk was considered a main goal for Orbán and his party at a moment when opinion research are indicating that they have a real challenger for the premier instance in more than a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is running on pledges to eliminate systemic graft, has been direct about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he claims it has done to Hungary's democracy.

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

Publication's Importance

While Blikk is a popular newspaper, known for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the last several years it has also published many pieces on possible misconduct.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most popular newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," commented a press expert. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If biased information features in such extensively consumed and popular media, it will have an effect on the citizenry."

International Perspective

For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has served as a model for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.

Ex-US administrators and their associates have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a meeting of US conservatives that the way to governance required "controlling media outlets."

Historical Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's administration passed a legislation that established government control over the chief communications authority and positioned the national media outlet in the control of loyalists.

Proprietorship Information

Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned investor who is also top executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the organization is gaining a well-performing press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier stated in a release that its determination to transfer was "driven exclusively by business strategy factors and our concentration on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A state communicator was sought for response.