Surprise as Government Supporters Take Over Hungary's Leading Newspaper

Media professionals at the country's most-read publication have expressed shock after a media conglomerate seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

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

A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a collection of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose digital edition draws around three million online readers monthly.

Leadership Shake-up

Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another key leader were exiting in "mutual agreement" with the current proprietor.

They had been hired seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing political affairs, economic matters, and culture," he stated on Facebook.

Staff Responses

Employees of Blikk said they were shocked. "I came close to a heart attack when I heard the declaration," stated one journalist, who wished to be anonymous. "In my view, 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 challenging situation as there are limited other outlets available where they could seek employment.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling state-aligned media landscape to boost his image and poll numbers.

Election Context

Whereas major media deals have tended to take place either following voting or during a stable political time, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs under six months before April's general election.

Blikk was seen as a prime target for Orbán and his party at a moment when surveys are indicating 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 campaigning on commitments to eradicate systemic graft, has been direct about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the negative impact he asserts it has done to Hungary's democratic system.

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

Newspaper's Significance

Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, famous for its gossip column and sensational captions, in the past few years it has also run many pieces on alleged corruption.

"Blikk is by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a press expert. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most read online site in Hungary. If biased information is published by such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the citizenry."

Global Perspective

For more than a decade, Hungary has functioned as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.

Previous US leaders and their associates have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US conservatives that the path to power required "owning press organizations."

Past Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's administration enacted a legislation that imposed government control over the chief communications authority and put the public broadcaster in the management of allies.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also CEO of a government-friendly television station.

In a statement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is acquiring a successful publication group of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and successful brands that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier announced in a communication that its choice to divest was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our focus on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A state communicator was approached for comment.