🔗 Share this article Shock as Orbán Allies Take Over the Nation's Leading Newspaper Journalists at Hungary's leading newspaper have voiced surprise after a media group seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its former Swiss owners. Context of Purchase The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary approaches pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to expand government influence on the press. A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a portfolio of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose news site reaches about three million online readers monthly. Leadership Shake-up Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another senior manager were departing in "common understanding" with the current proprietor. They had been hired seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing politics, economics, and culture," he said on social media. Staff Reactions Employees of Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I came close to a cardiac episode when I learned about the announcement," remarked one journalist, who wished to be unnamed. "In my view, this is ethically questionable." Blikk has named a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry. Press Environment Issues Numerous reporters who have opted to continue admit being in a challenging situation as there are few other outlets available where they could apply. During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government news ecosystem to strengthen his public perception and polls. Political Timing Whereas major media deals have typically occurred either following voting or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes less than six months prior to April's parliamentary election. Blikk was viewed as a prime target for Orbán and his party at a period when polls are signalling that they have a real challenger for the premier instance in over a decade. Opposition Reaction The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is campaigning on commitments to eradicate systemic graft, has been vocal about Orbán's "media machine" and the harm he claims it has affected Hungary's democratic system. He has criticised the Ringier Hungary acquisition, declaring it constitutes another move by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's press organizations. Newspaper's Importance While Blikk is a tabloid, famous for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the last several years it has also published many pieces on possible misconduct. "The publication represents by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a media analyst. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular online site in Hungary. If biased information features in such extensively consumed and influential publications, it will have an impact on the public." International Context For exceeding a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a example for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" globally. Previous US leaders and their supporters have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes. In 2022, Orbán spoke to a conference of US conservatives that the route to leadership necessitated "having their own media." Historical Press Regulation In 2010, Orbán's administration approved a legislation that established state authority over the main media regulator and placed the state broadcaster in the management of supporters. Ownership Details Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting entrepreneur who is also top executive of a state-aligned TV network. In a announcement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a profitable press organization of comparable scale to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian media landscape." Ringier stated in a release that its decision to sell was "motivated entirely by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our main internet businesses in Hungary." A state communicator was sought for statement.