Shock as Orbán Allies Take Over the Nation's Most-Read Daily Publication

Media professionals at Hungary's most-read publication have expressed shock after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary approaches important elections next year, is generally viewed as another attempt to strengthen government influence on the media.

A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose online platform attracts approximately three million digital visitors monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another senior manager were departing in "shared decision" with the new owner.

They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, covering politics, economic matters, and cultural topics," he commented on social media.

Employee Reactions

Workers from Blikk said they were stunned. "I almost had a heart attack when I was informed of the announcement," remarked one reporter, who asked to stay unnamed. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."

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

Press Environment Issues

Numerous reporters who have decided to stay admit being in a difficult position as there are few other outlets available where they could seek employment.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive government-supporting media landscape to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings.

Political Timing

While major media acquisitions have usually happened 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 key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are signalling that they have a real challenger for the first time in over a decade.

Political Rival Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is promoting promises to eradicate systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he claims it has affected Hungary's democracy.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it represents another effort by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's press organizations.

Newspaper's Importance

Although Blikk is a daily publication, known for its gossip column and sensational captions, in the last several years it has also featured numerous articles on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a press expert. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If propaganda is published by such extensively consumed and popular media, it will have an impact on the citizenry."

International Context

For exceeding a decade now, Hungary has functioned as a blueprint for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" globally.

Former American officials and their supporters have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán told a conference of US conservatives that the path to power demanded "controlling media outlets."

Historical Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a legislation that asserted state authority over the main media regulator and placed the public broadcaster in the management of loyalists.

Proprietorship Information

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting businessman who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel.

In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the organization is gaining a successful publication group of comparable scale to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier announced in a statement that its choice to divest was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A state communicator was contacted for statement.