🔗 Share this article Disbelief as Orbán Allies Take Over the Nation's Leading Newspaper Journalists at Hungary's most popular newspaper have voiced surprise after a media group viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners. Context of Acquisition The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is generally viewed as another attempt to strengthen state control on the news outlets. A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had bought a collection of Hungarian media assets, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose digital edition reaches about three million online readers monthly. Management Shake-up Blikk's departing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another key leader were departing in "common understanding" with the current proprietor. They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, reporting on politics, economics, and cultural topics," he commented on social media. Employee Responses Staff at Blikk said they were stunned. "I came close to a cardiac episode when I was informed of the declaration," stated one correspondent, who wished to be unidentified. "Personally, this is ethically questionable." Blikk has named a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry. Media Landscape Issues Numerous reporters who have opted to continue admit being in a difficult position as there are few other publications left to which they could look for work. During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive state-aligned media landscape to boost his image and public opinion ratings. Political Context Whereas major media deals have usually happened either post-election or during a stable political time, the buyout of Ringier Hungary occurs under six months before April's national vote. Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a time when opinion research are signalling that they have a real challenger for the premier instance in over a decade. Political Rival Reaction The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is campaigning on pledges to root out deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he says it has affected Hungary's political freedom. He has criticised the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it signifies another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's media outlets. Publication's Importance Although Blikk is a daily publication, famous for its entertainment section and sensational captions, in the last several years it has also featured numerous articles on alleged corruption. "Blikk is by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," said a communications specialist. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If partisan content is published by such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the public." International Context For over a decade, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "semi-democratic systems" globally. Previous US leaders and their supporters have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in press freedom rankings. In 2022, Orbán spoke to a meeting of US conservatives that the route to leadership required "having their own media." Historical Press Control In 2010, Orbán's government passed a regulation that asserted official oversight over the main media regulator and positioned the national media outlet in the control of supporters. Ownership Information Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel. In a statement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a successful publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and successful brands that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape." Ringier stated in a statement that its decision to sell was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our focus on our primary online operations in Hungary." A government spokesperson was contacted for response.