🔗 Share this article Surprise as Orbán Allies Acquire Hungary's Leading Newspaper Media professionals at the country's most-read newspaper have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners. Context of Acquisition The purchase, which coincides with Hungary approaches pivotal elections next year, is largely considered another move to expand state control on the press. A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had bought a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose digital edition draws around three million online readers monthly. Leadership Changes Blikk's departing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and a top executive were leaving in "shared decision" with the acquiring company. They had been hired seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on compelling journalism" and to be "more reader-centered, covering politics, economic matters, and cultural topics," he said on social media. Employee Reactions Employees of Blikk admitted feeling shocked. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I was informed of the declaration," stated one correspondent, who asked to stay unnamed. "Personally, this is professionally concerning." Blikk has introduced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry. Press Environment Concerns Several media professionals who have chosen to remain acknowledge feeling in a difficult position as there are limited other media organizations available where they could seek employment. Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive state-aligned media landscape to boost his image and poll numbers. Election Timing Whereas important publication acquisitions have tended to take place either after elections or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months ahead of April's parliamentary election. Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a time when polls are suggesting that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in more than a decade. Opposition Response The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is campaigning on commitments to eradicate entrenched dishonesty, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the damage he claims it has done to Hungary's political freedom. He has criticised the Ringier Hungary acquisition, declaring it signifies another attempt by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets. Publication's Importance While Blikk is a daily publication, famous for its gossip column and sensational captions, in the past few years it has also published many pieces on suspected graft. "Blikk is by far the most popular daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," said a communications specialist. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in recent times, becoming the fourth most popular online site in Hungary. If partisan content features in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the public." International Perspective For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a blueprint for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" globally. Former American officials and their associates have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in press freedom rankings. In 2022, Orbán spoke to a conference of US traditionalist groups that the route to leadership required "owning press organizations." Past Press Control In 2010, Orbán's regime approved a regulation that asserted state authority over the chief communications authority and positioned the state broadcaster in the hands of supporters. Ownership Details Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government investor who is also chief executive of a pro-government private channel. In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is gaining a profitable press organization of comparable scale to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment." Ringier announced in a statement that its decision to sell was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our primary online operations in Hungary." A official representative was sought for response.