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Media professionals at the country's most popular publication have expressed shock after a media group viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary prepares for important elections next year, is largely considered another effort to expand state control on the press.

A pro-Orbán media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose digital edition attracts approximately three million online readers monthly.

Management Changes

Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another senior manager were leaving in "shared decision" with the new owner.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing political affairs, economic matters, and culture," he commented on Facebook.

Staff Reactions

Workers from Blikk said they were shocked. "I came close to a cardiac episode when I learned about the announcement," remarked one reporter, who asked to stay anonymous. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Several media professionals who have decided to stay admit being in a complex circumstance as there are few other outlets remaining where they could look for work.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread state-aligned press environment to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings.

Political Context

Whereas important publication deals have tended to take place either after elections or during a stable political time, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary comes under six months before April's general election.

Blikk was considered a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when polls are signalling that they have a real challenger for the first time in over a decade.

Political Rival Response

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is promoting commitments to eliminate entrenched dishonesty, has been vocal about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he claims it has affected Hungary's political freedom.

He has condemned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, stating it signifies another effort by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's press organizations.

Publication's Significance

Though Blikk is a daily publication, known for its entertainment section and dramatic titles, in the recent years it has also run many pieces on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a market leader," stated a communications specialist. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda appears in such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the citizenry."

International Context

For more than a decade now, Hungary has acted as a example for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" internationally.

Former American officials and their associates have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in press freedom rankings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a meeting of US conservatives that the way to governance necessitated "having their own media."

Past Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a regulation that asserted official oversight over the primary press oversight body and placed the state broadcaster in the management of allies.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting businessman who is also top executive of a pro-government private channel.

In a declaration, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a profitable publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and successful brands that play a defining role in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier stated in a release that its decision to sell was "driven exclusively by business strategy factors and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was contacted for response.