Surprise as Orbán Allies Take Over Hungary's Top Newspaper
Journalists at the country's most-read publication have expressed shock after a media conglomerate considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.
Timing of Purchase
The buyout, which occurs while Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is largely considered another attempt to strengthen government influence on the news outlets.
A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose online platform reaches about three million online readers monthly.
Leadership Changes
Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and a top executive were departing in "mutual agreement" with the acquiring company.
They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on compelling journalism" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on political affairs, economic matters, and cultural topics," he commented on Facebook.
Staff Responses
Staff at Blikk admitted feeling shocked. "I came close to a heart attack when I learned about the declaration," remarked one reporter, who asked to stay unnamed. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable."
Blikk has announced a new editor-in-chief, 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 outlets available where they could seek employment.
During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive government-supporting media landscape to boost his image and poll numbers.
Election Timing
Although major media acquisitions have usually happened either post-election or during a quiet political period, the purchase of Ringier Hungary happens less than six months before April's general election.
Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his party at a period when opinion research are suggesting that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in over a decade.
Opposition Reaction
The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is promoting promises to eradicate entrenched dishonesty, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he says it has caused to Hungary's political freedom.
He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, stating it constitutes another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's press organizations.
Newspaper's Significance
Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, renowned for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the recent years it has also featured multiple stories on possible misconduct.
"This newspaper stands as by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," said a press expert. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If propaganda appears in such extensively consumed and influential publications, it will have an influence on the general population."
International Perspective
For over a decade, Hungary has acted as a example for other "illiberal democracies" around the world.
Previous US leaders and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in press freedom rankings.
In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US conservatives that the path to power demanded "owning press organizations."
Historical Press Control
In 2010, Orbán's government enacted a law that established state authority over the main media regulator and positioned the public broadcaster in the hands of allies.
Proprietorship Information
Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government entrepreneur who is also chief executive of a government-friendly television station.
In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a well-performing media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and popular products that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian media landscape."
Ringier announced in a release that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."
A government spokesperson was contacted for response.