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Reporters at Hungary's most popular newspaper have expressed shock after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The buyout, which coincides with Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is generally viewed as another move to expand government influence on the press.

A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had bought a portfolio of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose online platform draws around three million digital visitors monthly.

Management Shake-up

Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another senior manager were departing in "common understanding" with the new owner.

They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, covering political affairs, economics, and culture," he said on social media.

Employee Responses

Employees of Blikk said they were shocked. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I was informed of the declaration," stated one correspondent, who asked to stay unnamed. "In my view, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has introduced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

Several media professionals who have chosen to remain admit being in a challenging situation as there are limited other publications remaining where they could apply.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government press environment to boost his image and public opinion ratings.

Political Timing

Whereas important publication transactions have tended to take place either after elections or during a quiet political period, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary comes under six months ahead of April's general election.

Blikk was seen as a prime target for Orbán and his party at a moment when surveys are indicating that they have a genuine competitor for the premier instance in over a decade.

Opposition Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is promoting commitments to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the harm he claims it has affected Hungary's democratic system.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it constitutes another move by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.

Publication's Importance

Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, known for its celebrity news and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also run numerous articles on possible misconduct.

"Blikk is by far the most widely circulated daily newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a press expert. "Their digital platform has become remarkably well-received in the past few years, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If partisan content features in such extensively consumed and influential publications, it will have an impact on the public."

Global Context

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

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

In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US right-leaning politicians that the way to governance demanded "controlling media outlets."

Past Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's regime approved a regulation that imposed official oversight over the primary press oversight body and put the national media outlet in the control of loyalists.

Ownership Details

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

In a statement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the organization is gaining a profitable press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and successful brands that play a defining role in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier said in a statement that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by business strategy factors and our concentration on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was sought for comment.