🔗 Share this article

Journalists at Hungary's most-read newspaper have expressed shock after a media conglomerate seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The buyout, which occurs while Hungary approaches crucial elections next year, is generally viewed as another move to expand government influence on the press.

A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had purchased a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose digital edition attracts approximately three million web users monthly.

Leadership Shake-up

Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another key leader were departing in "shared decision" with the current proprietor.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, reporting on political affairs, economics, and culture," he stated on social media.

Staff Reactions

Workers from Blikk admitted feeling taken aback. "I almost had a heart attack when I heard the news," remarked one correspondent, who requested to remain anonymous. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has introduced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

Many journalists who have chosen to remain say they are in a challenging situation as there are not many other outlets left to which they could seek employment.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government news ecosystem to enhance his reputation and polls.

Political Timing

While major media deals have usually happened either post-election or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes less than six months ahead of April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was considered a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a time when surveys are indicating that they have a serious opponent for the first time in more than a decade.

Opposition Response

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is campaigning on commitments to root out systemic graft, has been direct about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he says it has affected Hungary's democracy.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary transaction, declaring it constitutes another move by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's press organizations.

Newspaper's Significance

Though Blikk is a daily publication, known for its entertainment section and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also featured many pieces on possible misconduct.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," commented a press expert. "Its online site has become unexpectedly successful in the past few years, becoming the fourth most read online site in Hungary. If partisan content features in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the public."

Global Context

For over a decade, Hungary has served as a example for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" internationally.

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

In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US traditionalist groups that the route to leadership necessitated "having their own media."

Past Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a legislation that established official oversight over the primary press oversight body and placed the public broadcaster in the control of loyalists.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also CEO of a government-friendly television station.

In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is gaining a successful press organization of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and popular products that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier said in a statement that its decision to sell was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was contacted for response.