🔗 Share this article Surprise as Orbán Allies Acquire Hungary's Top Daily Publication Media professionals at the country's most popular newspaper have shown disbelief after a media group viewed as friendly to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners. Timing of Acquisition The buyout, which comes as Hungary approaches important elections next year, is widely seen as another move to strengthen government influence on the media. A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose news site attracts approximately three million web users monthly. Management Shake-up Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and a top executive were departing in "shared decision" with the acquiring company. They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on politics, economic matters, and cultural topics," he commented on Facebook. Employee Reactions Workers from Blikk expressed being shocked. "I came close to a medical emergency when I was informed of the news," remarked one journalist, who asked to stay anonymous. "In my view, this is ethically questionable." Blikk has named a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry. Press Environment Issues Many journalists who have decided to stay say they are in a complex circumstance as there are limited other media organizations available where they could look for work. During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling government-supporting media landscape to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings. Election Context While important publication transactions have typically occurred either post-election or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary happens less than six months before April's national vote. Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a time when polls are signalling that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in more than a decade. Political Rival Reaction The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is running on pledges to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the negative impact he asserts it has affected Hungary's democracy. He has condemned the Ringier Hungary deal, stating it represents another attempt by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's news publications. Publication's Importance While Blikk is a daily publication, famous for its gossip column and sensational captions, in the recent years it has also published numerous articles on alleged corruption. "Blikk is by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a market leader," stated a communications specialist. "The web version has become remarkably well-received in the past few years, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If propaganda appears in such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the public." Global Perspective For exceeding a decade now, Hungary has served as a example for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" internationally. Former American officials and their associates have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in journalistic liberty ratings. In 2022, Orbán addressed a meeting of US right-leaning politicians that the path to power necessitated "controlling media outlets." Historical Press Control In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a legislation that established state authority over the main media regulator and put the national media outlet in the management of allies. Ownership Information Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government entrepreneur who is also CEO of a state-aligned TV network. In a declaration, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a profitable media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and successful brands that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector." Ringier announced in a communication that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary." A government spokesperson was sought for comment.