🔗 Share this article Surprise as Government Supporters Take Over the Nation's Most-Read Newspaper Journalists at the country's most-read newspaper have expressed shock after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners. Context of Acquisition The buyout, which coincides with Hungary approaches important elections next year, is generally viewed as another effort to strengthen government influence on the press. A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had purchased a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose digital edition attracts approximately three million web users monthly. Leadership Shake-up Blikk's departing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "shared decision" with the current proprietor. They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on compelling journalism" and to be "more audience-focused, reporting on political affairs, economics, and culture," he stated on social media. Staff Reactions Staff at Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I almost had a heart attack when I learned about the declaration," said one journalist, who asked to stay unidentified. "For me, this is professionally concerning." Blikk has introduced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry. Press Environment Concerns Many journalists who have chosen to remain admit being in a complex circumstance as there are limited other outlets available where they could seek employment. Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government news ecosystem to boost his image and public opinion ratings. Election Context While significant press acquisitions have usually happened either after elections or during a stable political time, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs under six months prior to April's parliamentary election. Blikk was considered a prime target for Orbán and his party at a time when opinion research are suggesting that they have a serious opponent for the premier instance in exceeding a decade. Political Rival Reaction The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is running on commitments to eliminate deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "media machine" and the damage he says it has done to Hungary's democratic system. He has condemned the Ringier Hungary deal, saying it signifies another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications. Newspaper's Significance Though Blikk is a tabloid, known for its celebrity news and sensational captions, in the recent years it has also featured numerous articles on suspected graft. "The publication represents by far the most popular daily publication in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," stated a communications specialist. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If propaganda is published by such widely read and influential publications, it will have an influence on the public." International Context For more than a decade now, Hungary has served as a model for other "semi-democratic systems" internationally. Former American officials and their supporters have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in press freedom rankings. In 2022, Orbán spoke to a conference of US right-leaning politicians that the route to leadership demanded "owning press organizations." Past Press Control In 2010, Orbán's government enacted a law that imposed official oversight over the primary press oversight body and positioned the public broadcaster in the management of supporters. Ownership Information Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also chief executive of a government-friendly television station. In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a profitable media company of similar size to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector." Ringier stated in a release that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary." A government spokesperson was sought for statement.