🔗 Share this article Disbelief as Government Supporters Take Over the Nation's Leading Newspaper Media professionals at Hungary's most-read publication have shown disbelief after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners. Timing of Purchase The purchase, which comes as Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is largely considered another move to expand government influence on the news outlets. A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose digital edition attracts approximately three million web users monthly. Management Changes Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and a top executive were leaving in "shared decision" with the current proprietor. They had been hired seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, covering political affairs, economic matters, and cultural topics," he said on Facebook. Staff Reactions Workers from Blikk said they were shocked. "I came close to a medical emergency when I heard the news," said one journalist, who asked to stay anonymous. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable." Blikk has announced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry. Media Landscape Concerns Numerous reporters who have opted to continue acknowledge feeling in a challenging situation as there are limited other publications available where they could seek employment. Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive state-aligned media landscape to strengthen his public perception and polls. Election Timing Whereas important publication acquisitions have usually happened either following voting or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months before April's parliamentary election. Blikk was viewed as a prime target for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when polls are indicating that they have a genuine competitor for the first time in exceeding a decade. Political Rival Response The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is campaigning on commitments to eliminate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he asserts it has done to Hungary's democracy. He has condemned the Ringier Hungary transaction, declaring it represents another attempt by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's news publications. Newspaper's Importance Though Blikk is a tabloid, renowned for its entertainment section and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also run numerous articles on possible misconduct. "This newspaper stands as by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a market leader," stated a media analyst. "Their digital platform has become remarkably well-received in recent years, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If biased information appears in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the citizenry." International Context For more than a decade now, Hungary has served as a model for other "illiberal democracies" globally. Previous US leaders and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in journalistic liberty ratings. In 2022, Orbán spoke to a conference of US traditionalist groups that the path to power demanded "owning press organizations." Historical Media Control In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a legislation that imposed government control over the main media regulator and placed the state broadcaster in the management of supporters. Proprietorship Information Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting businessman who is also chief executive of a pro-government private channel. In a declaration, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the group is gaining a well-performing media company of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and recognized names that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector." Ringier said in a communication that its choice to divest was "based solely on commercial planning elements and our emphasis on our primary online operations in Hungary." A government spokesperson was approached for comment.