Disbelief as Orbán Allies Take Over the Nation's Most-Read Newspaper

Reporters at Hungary's leading publication have expressed shock after a media group seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its former Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The purchase, which comes as Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is largely considered another attempt to expand state control on the press.

A pro-Orbán media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had purchased a collection of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose digital edition draws around three million web users monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's departing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another key leader were exiting in "shared decision" with the current proprietor.

They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, covering political affairs, economic matters, and culture," he commented on Facebook.

Staff Reactions

Employees of Blikk admitted feeling taken aback. "I came close to a medical emergency when I learned about the announcement," said one reporter, who asked to stay unidentified. "Personally, this is professionally concerning."

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

Media Landscape Concerns

Several media professionals who have chosen to remain say they are in a challenging situation as there are not many other outlets available where they could apply.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling state-aligned press environment to enhance his reputation and poll numbers.

Political Timing

Although significant press deals have typically occurred either following voting or during a stable political time, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes less than six months prior to April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was considered a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a period when polls are suggesting that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in over a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is running on pledges to root out entrenched dishonesty, has been direct about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he asserts it has done to Hungary's democracy.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary transaction, saying it constitutes another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.

Newspaper's Importance

While Blikk is a tabloid, famous for its entertainment section and over-the-top headlines, in the recent years it has also run multiple stories on possible misconduct.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most read newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a media analyst. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If biased information is published by such extensively consumed and influential publications, it will have an influence on the citizenry."

International Context

For exceeding a decade, Hungary has acted as a blueprint for other "semi-democratic systems" internationally.

Ex-US administrators and their associates have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in journalistic liberty ratings.

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

Past Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's administration enacted a legislation that imposed official oversight over the main media regulator and put the public broadcaster in the management of allies.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also top executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the company is acquiring a profitable publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and successful brands that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier said in a communication that its determination to transfer was "driven exclusively by business strategy factors and our focus on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was contacted for comment.