🔗 Share this article Surprise as Government Supporters Acquire the Nation's Top Newspaper Reporters at Hungary's most-read publication have voiced surprise after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners. Context of Acquisition The buyout, which occurs while Hungary approaches important elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to expand government influence on the press. A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose digital edition attracts approximately three million digital visitors monthly. Management Shake-up Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and a top executive were departing 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 audience-focused, reporting on politics, economic matters, and culture," he stated on social media. Employee Responses Staff at Blikk expressed being shocked. "I nearly experienced a medical emergency when I learned about the declaration," said one journalist, who wished to be anonymous. "Personally, this is ethically questionable." Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry. Press Environment Issues Many journalists who have decided to stay say they are in a difficult position as there are not many other media organizations available where they could seek employment. Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread state-aligned media landscape to enhance his reputation and polls. Political Context While significant press acquisitions have usually happened either following voting or during a quiet political period, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months prior to April's general election. Blikk was considered a main goal for Orbán and his party at a time when surveys are indicating that they have a serious opponent for the first time in over a decade. Political Rival Response The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is campaigning on promises to eradicate systemic graft, has been direct about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the negative impact he says it has affected Hungary's democracy. He has criticised the Ringier Hungary acquisition, declaring it constitutes another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's media outlets. Publication's Importance While Blikk is a tabloid, known for its entertainment section and dramatic titles, in the recent years it has also featured multiple stories on possible misconduct. "This newspaper stands as by far the most widely circulated newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," stated a media analyst. "Their digital platform has become unexpectedly successful in the past few years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an impact on the public." International Context For over a decade now, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" globally. Ex-US administrators and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in journalistic liberty ratings. In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US traditionalist groups that the path to power required "owning press organizations." Historical Press Control In 2010, Orbán's regime approved a regulation that established official oversight over the main media regulator and placed the public broadcaster in the management of allies. Proprietorship Information Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned businessman who is also CEO of a government-friendly television station. In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is acquiring a profitable press organization of comparable scale to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and recognized names that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape." Ringier announced in a statement that its determination to transfer was "based solely on business strategy factors and our focus on our core digital activities in Hungary." A government spokesperson was sought for response.