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Media professionals at the country's most popular publication have shown disbelief after a media group seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The purchase, which occurs while Hungary prepares for important elections next year, is generally viewed as another attempt to strengthen government influence on the media.

A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had bought a portfolio of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose digital edition draws around three million digital visitors monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated 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 restructure Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, covering political affairs, economic matters, and culture," he said on Facebook.

Staff Reactions

Employees of Blikk admitted feeling shocked. "I almost had a medical emergency when I was informed of the declaration," remarked one correspondent, who asked to stay unidentified. "For me, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has introduced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

Numerous reporters who have opted to continue say they are in a complex circumstance as there are limited other outlets remaining where they could seek employment.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government news ecosystem to strengthen his public perception and polls.

Election Context

Whereas significant press acquisitions have usually happened either post-election or during a quiet political period, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months ahead of April's general election.

Blikk was considered a key objective for Orbán and his party at a moment when opinion research are indicating that they have a real challenger for the premier instance in over a decade.

Political Rival Response

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is running on commitments to eradicate systemic graft, has been vocal about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the harm he claims it has caused to Hungary's democracy.

He has condemned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, stating it represents another effort by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Importance

Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, known for its entertainment section and over-the-top headlines, in the last several years it has also run many pieces on suspected graft.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most popular daily newspaper in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," said a media analyst. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular website in Hungary. If biased information appears in such extensively consumed and popular media, it will have an influence on the citizenry."

Global Perspective

For exceeding a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a model for other "illiberal democracies" around the world.

Ex-US administrators and their supporters have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in press freedom rankings.

In 2022, Orbán spoke to a gathering of US conservatives that the way to governance required "owning press organizations."

Historical Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's administration approved a legislation that imposed state authority over the main media regulator and put the state broadcaster in the control of supporters.

Proprietorship Information

Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting entrepreneur who is also CEO of a government-friendly television station.

In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a successful press organization of comparable scale to Indamedia, with established industry presence and successful brands that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier announced in a release that its decision to sell was "motivated entirely by strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A state communicator was sought for comment.