🔗 Share this article Shock as Government Supporters Take Over Hungary's Leading Daily Publication Journalists at the country's most-read newspaper have shown disbelief after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners. Timing of Acquisition The buyout, which coincides with Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to increase state control on the news outlets. A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had acquired a collection of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose news site draws around three million online readers monthly. Leadership Shake-up Blikk's departing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another senior manager were exiting in "common understanding" with the new owner. They were appointed seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on politics, economics, and culture," he commented on Facebook. Employee Responses Staff at Blikk said they were stunned. "I nearly experienced a medical emergency when I was informed of the declaration," stated one reporter, who asked to stay unnamed. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable." Blikk has introduced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry. Press Environment Issues Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain admit being in a challenging situation as there are limited other publications remaining where they could apply. Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread state-aligned news ecosystem to enhance his reputation and poll numbers. Election Timing Although significant press acquisitions have typically occurred either after elections or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months prior to April's parliamentary election. Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are signalling that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in more than a decade. Political Rival Reaction The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on commitments to root out deep-seated corruption, has been direct about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he asserts it has affected Hungary's political freedom. He has condemned the Ringier Hungary transaction, declaring it signifies another attempt by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's news publications. Publication's Significance Although Blikk is a daily publication, known for its celebrity news and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also run multiple stories on alleged corruption. "The publication represents by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," said a media analyst. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda features in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the general population." International Perspective For over a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a model for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world. Former American officials and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in media freedom indexes. In 2022, Orbán spoke to a meeting of US traditionalist groups that the path to power required "owning press organizations." Past Press Regulation In 2010, Orbán's government passed a law that asserted government control over the primary press oversight body and put the state broadcaster in the hands of supporters. Ownership Information Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government entrepreneur who is also top executive of a state-aligned TV network. In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is acquiring a successful media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that have significant influence in the Hungarian press environment." Ringier said in a release that its choice to divest was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary." A government spokesperson was approached for comment.