Shock as Government Supporters Take Over Hungary's Most-Read Newspaper

Reporters at the country's most-read newspaper have shown disbelief after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The buyout, which occurs while Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to expand state control on the press.

A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had bought a group of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose digital edition attracts approximately three million web users monthly.

Management Shake-up

Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another senior manager were exiting in "mutual agreement" with the new owner.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, covering political affairs, economic matters, and culture," he said on Facebook.

Staff Reactions

Employees of Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I came close to a medical emergency when I was informed of the news," remarked one correspondent, who asked to stay anonymous. "In my view, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain admit being in a complex circumstance as there are not many other media organizations remaining where they could apply.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread government-supporting media landscape to enhance his reputation and polls.

Election Timing

Although significant press acquisitions have typically occurred either after elections or during a quiet political period, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs fewer than six months ahead of April's national vote.

Blikk was seen as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a time when opinion research are signalling that they have a genuine competitor for the first time in over a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is campaigning on promises to root out deep-seated corruption, has been direct about Orbán's "media machine" and the harm he says it has affected Hungary's democratic system.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it constitutes another effort by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's media outlets.

Publication's Significance

Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, known for its celebrity news and sensational captions, in the last several years it has also featured many pieces on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a market leader," commented a communications specialist. "Its online site has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda features in such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an impact on the general population."

International Context

For exceeding a decade, Hungary has functioned as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" globally.

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

In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US conservatives that the path to power necessitated "having their own media."

Historical Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a legislation that imposed government control over the primary press oversight body and put the state broadcaster in the management of loyalists.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also CEO of a state-aligned TV network.

In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the company is acquiring a profitable media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and successful brands that have significant influence in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier announced in a statement that its decision to sell was "based solely on commercial planning elements and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was sought for comment.