🔗 Share this article Disbelief as Government Supporters Purchase Hungary's Leading Newspaper Media professionals at Hungary's leading newspaper have voiced surprise after a media group seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its former Swiss owners. Timing of Purchase The purchase, which occurs while Hungary prepares for important elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to strengthen government influence on the news outlets. A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a portfolio of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose digital edition attracts approximately three million web users monthly. Leadership Shake-up Blikk's outgoing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "common understanding" with the acquiring company. Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing political affairs, economics, and cultural topics," he commented on social media. Staff Responses Employees of Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I learned about the declaration," stated one reporter, who requested to remain unidentified. "Personally, this is professionally concerning." Blikk has named a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry. Media Landscape Issues Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain admit being in a challenging situation as there are few other media organizations available where they could look for work. Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government press environment to boost his image and public opinion ratings. Political Context While important publication acquisitions have tended to take place either following voting or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months ahead of April's general election. Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when surveys are suggesting that they have a serious opponent for the initial occasion in more than a decade. Political Rival Reaction The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is promoting promises to root out deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he claims it has caused to Hungary's democracy. He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, declaring it constitutes another effort by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's press organizations. Newspaper's Importance Although Blikk is a daily publication, known for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the recent years it has also featured multiple stories on possible misconduct. "Blikk is by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," stated a media analyst. "Their digital platform has become unexpectedly successful in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If biased information appears in such highly popular and popular media, it will have an influence on the citizenry." Global Context For more than a decade, Hungary has served as a example for other "illiberal democracies" globally. Former American officials and their allies have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in journalistic liberty ratings. In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US traditionalist groups that the path to power demanded "controlling media outlets." Historical Media Control In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a regulation that imposed official oversight over the primary press oversight body and positioned the national media outlet in the hands of supporters. Ownership Details Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel. In a statement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a successful publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and popular products that play a defining role in the Hungarian communications sector." Ringier stated in a release that its choice to divest was "motivated entirely by business strategy factors and our emphasis on our core digital activities in Hungary." A official representative was approached for statement.