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Media professionals at the country's most popular newspaper have shown disbelief after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary approaches important elections next year, is widely seen as another move to expand government influence on the news outlets.

A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose news site reaches about 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 leaving in "common understanding" with the new owner.

They were appointed seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing politics, economics, and culture," he stated on social media.

Staff Reactions

Staff at Blikk admitted feeling shocked. "I nearly experienced a medical emergency when I heard the news," stated one journalist, who wished to be anonymous. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has introduced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

Several media professionals who have opted to continue say they are in a difficult position as there are limited other outlets available where they could look for work.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive state-aligned media landscape to strengthen his public perception and poll numbers.

Election Context

Although important publication acquisitions have typically occurred either post-election or during a quiet political period, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs fewer than six months ahead of April's general election.

Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are signalling that they have a serious opponent for the initial occasion in over a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is promoting pledges to eliminate entrenched dishonesty, has been outspoken about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he claims it has done to Hungary's political freedom.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, declaring it represents another move by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's press organizations.

Publication's Importance

While Blikk is a daily publication, famous for its celebrity news and sensational captions, in the past few years it has also run multiple stories on alleged corruption.

"The publication represents by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a market leader," said a press expert. "The web version has become remarkably well-received in recent years, becoming the fourth most read digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda features in such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the general population."

Global Context

For exceeding a decade, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.

Previous US leaders and their supporters have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán spoke to a meeting of US right-leaning politicians that the path to power required "controlling media outlets."

Past Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's administration passed a law that established official oversight over the primary press oversight body and put the state broadcaster in the hands of supporters.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also chief executive of a state-aligned TV network.

In a announcement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the group is acquiring a successful publication group of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and recognized names that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier stated in a communication that its decision to sell was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was approached for comment.