🔗 Share this article Shock as Orbán Allies Take Over the Nation's Most-Read Daily Publication Journalists at the country's most popular newspaper have expressed shock after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners. Timing of Purchase The acquisition, which comes as Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to increase state control on the press. A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a portfolio of Hungarian media assets, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose online platform draws around three million web users monthly. Management Shake-up Blikk's former chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and a top executive were departing in "common understanding" with the new owner. Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, covering politics, economics, and culture," he stated on Facebook. Staff Responses Staff at Blikk expressed being shocked. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I heard the declaration," remarked one journalist, who asked to stay unidentified. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable." Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry. Press Environment Issues Many journalists who have opted to continue say they are in a challenging situation as there are not many other media organizations left to which they could look for work. Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive government-supporting media landscape to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings. Election Timing While important publication transactions have usually happened either following voting or during a stable political time, the buyout of Ringier Hungary happens under six months before April's general election. Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a period when polls are signalling that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in exceeding a decade. Political Rival Reaction The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is campaigning on commitments to eliminate systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he says it has caused to Hungary's democratic system. He has questioned the Ringier Hungary deal, stating it represents another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications. Publication's Importance Though Blikk is a daily publication, renowned for its gossip column and dramatic titles, in the recent years it has also featured multiple stories on possible misconduct. "The publication represents by far the most widely circulated newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," said a media analyst. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in recent times, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda appears in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an impact on the citizenry." Global Perspective For more than a decade now, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" globally. Previous US leaders and their supporters have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes. In 2022, Orbán spoke to a conference of US traditionalist groups that the path to power demanded "having their own media." Historical Press Regulation In 2010, Orbán's regime approved a law that asserted government control over the primary press oversight body and put the state broadcaster in the hands of loyalists. Proprietorship Information Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government entrepreneur who is also chief executive of a pro-government private channel. In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the group is obtaining a well-performing media company of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian press environment." Ringier stated in a communication that its decision to sell was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our main internet businesses in Hungary." A official representative was approached for comment.