🔗 Share this article

Reporters at the country's most popular publication have expressed shock after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is widely seen as another move to expand state control on the news outlets.

A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose digital edition draws around three million digital visitors monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and a top executive were leaving in "shared decision" with the current proprietor.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on engaging content" and to be "more public-oriented, reporting on politics, economic matters, and culture," he stated on Facebook.

Staff Reactions

Employees of Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I came close to a heart attack when I was informed of the announcement," said one reporter, who wished to be unidentified. "In my view, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has introduced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Several media professionals who have decided to stay say they are in a challenging situation as there are few other media organizations left to which they could apply.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread government-supporting press environment to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings.

Political Timing

While major media transactions have usually happened either following voting or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes less than six months prior to April's general election.

Blikk was considered a prime target for Orbán and his political organization at a time when surveys are suggesting that they have a real challenger for the first time in exceeding a decade.

Political Rival Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is promoting pledges to root out systemic graft, 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 acquisition, declaring it signifies another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Significance

Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, famous for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the last several years it has also published multiple stories on possible misconduct.

"Blikk is by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," said a media analyst. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If biased information features in such extensively consumed and influential publications, it will have an impact on the public."

Global Context

For exceeding a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a example for other "illiberal democracies" globally.

Former American officials and their allies have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a meeting of US right-leaning politicians that the route to leadership necessitated "owning press organizations."

Past Media Control

In 2010, Orbán's administration enacted a law that established official oversight over the chief communications authority and put the national media outlet in the management of allies.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned investor who is also top executive of a pro-government private channel.

In a statement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is gaining a well-performing publication group of similar size to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and successful brands that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier said in a release that its decision to sell was "motivated entirely by strategic economic considerations and our focus on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A official representative was contacted for response.