Surprise as Government Supporters Purchase the Nation's Leading Daily Publication
Reporters at Hungary's most-read newspaper have expressed shock after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.
Timing of Purchase
The buyout, which comes as Hungary gears up for pivotal elections next year, is generally viewed as another move to expand state control on the news outlets.
A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose digital edition draws around three million web users monthly.
Leadership Changes
Blikk's outgoing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another senior manager were departing in "shared decision" with the new owner.
They had been hired seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more public-oriented, addressing politics, economics, and culture," he stated on Facebook.
Employee Responses
Staff at Blikk admitted feeling taken aback. "I came close to a cardiac episode when I was informed of the declaration," stated one journalist, who requested to remain unnamed. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable."
Blikk has named a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Issues
Several media professionals who have opted to continue acknowledge feeling in a difficult position as there are not many other outlets remaining where they could look for work.
During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread pro-government press environment to enhance his reputation and poll numbers.
Election Context
Whereas significant press transactions have typically occurred either following voting or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary occurs under six months before April's general election.
Blikk was considered a prime target for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when opinion research are indicating that they have a serious opponent for the initial occasion in exceeding a decade.
Opposition Reaction
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is campaigning on commitments to eliminate entrenched dishonesty, has been vocal about Orbán's "media machine" and the damage he asserts it has affected Hungary's democratic system.
He has criticised the Ringier Hungary acquisition, stating it signifies another move by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's media outlets.
Publication's Significance
Though Blikk is a daily publication, renowned for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the last several years it has also featured multiple stories on alleged corruption.
"Blikk is by far the most widely circulated daily newspaper in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," stated a media analyst. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most read digital platform in Hungary. If partisan content features in such highly popular and popular media, it will have an influence on the public."
International Context
For over a ten-year period, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "semi-democratic systems" globally.
Ex-US administrators and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes.
In 2022, Orbán addressed a conference of US right-leaning politicians that the path to power necessitated "controlling media outlets."
Past Media Control
In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a legislation that imposed official oversight over the chief communications authority and put the state broadcaster in the control of allies.
Ownership Details
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government investor who is also top executive of a state-aligned TV network.
In a declaration, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is obtaining a profitable publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier said in a release that its determination to transfer was "based solely on commercial planning elements and our focus on our primary online operations in Hungary."
A state communicator was contacted for comment.
