Shock as Government Supporters Acquire Hungary's Most-Read Daily Publication
Reporters at the country's leading publication have expressed shock after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.
Context of Purchase
The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is widely seen as another move to increase state control on the news outlets.
A pro-Orbán media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a group of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose online platform attracts approximately three million web users monthly.
Management Changes
Blikk's former chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another key leader were departing in "common understanding" with the new owner.
They had been hired seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on interesting stories" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on political affairs, economic matters, and culture," he said on Facebook.
Employee Reactions
Employees of Blikk said they were taken aback. "I almost had a heart attack when I learned about the announcement," remarked one journalist, who wished to be unnamed. "For me, this is professionally concerning."
Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Concerns
Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain say they are in a challenging situation as there are not many other publications remaining where they could apply.
Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread pro-government news ecosystem to boost his image and polls.
Election Timing
Whereas significant press acquisitions have typically occurred either post-election or during a quiet political period, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs under six months prior to April's general election.
Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his party at a time when polls are signalling that they have a serious opponent for the first time in more than a decade.
Political Rival Response
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on commitments to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he asserts it has done to Hungary's political freedom.
He has questioned the Ringier Hungary deal, saying it signifies another attempt by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.
Publication's Significance
Although Blikk is a daily publication, famous for its gossip column and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also published multiple stories on alleged corruption.
"This newspaper stands as by far the most popular daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," said a communications specialist. "Its online site has become surprisingly popular in recent years, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If biased information appears in such widely read and influential publications, it will have an influence on the public."
Global Context
For over a decade, Hungary has acted as a model for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.
Previous US leaders and their allies have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in media freedom indexes.
In 2022, Orbán spoke to a gathering of US traditionalist groups that the route to leadership required "owning press organizations."
Past Press Control
In 2010, Orbán's government approved a law that asserted government control over the main media regulator and placed the state broadcaster in the control of allies.
Proprietorship Information
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel.
In a declaration, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a profitable press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and recognized names that have significant influence in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier announced in a communication that its determination to transfer was "motivated entirely by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."
A official representative was contacted for response.