🔗 Share this article

Reporters at Hungary's most popular publication have shown disbelief after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is largely considered another attempt to increase state control on the media.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had bought a portfolio of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose digital edition attracts approximately three million online readers monthly.

Leadership Shake-up

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

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more public-oriented, addressing politics, economics, and culture," he said on social media.

Staff Reactions

Workers from Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I came close to a medical emergency when I heard the declaration," stated one correspondent, who requested to remain anonymous. "In my view, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has introduced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Issues

Several media professionals who have chosen to remain say they are in a difficult position as there are few other publications remaining where they could seek employment.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread government-supporting media landscape to strengthen his public perception and polls.

Political Timing

While major media transactions have usually happened either following voting or during a stable political time, the purchase of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months prior to April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was seen as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a period when polls are signalling that they have a genuine competitor for the first time in more than a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is campaigning on commitments to root out deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the harm he claims it has done to Hungary's political freedom.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, declaring it represents another effort by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.

Publication's Significance

While Blikk is a popular newspaper, known for its entertainment section and sensational captions, in the recent years it has also run many pieces on alleged corruption.

"Blikk is by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a press expert. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda features in such widely read and influential publications, it will have an effect on the general population."

Global Perspective

For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has served as a example for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.

Previous US leaders and their supporters have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in press freedom rankings.

In 2022, Orbán told a gathering of US conservatives that the path to power required "owning press organizations."

Past Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's administration approved a legislation that imposed state authority over the primary press oversight body and placed the state broadcaster in the hands of supporters.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting investor who is also top executive of a pro-government private channel.

In a statement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is obtaining a well-performing press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and recognized names that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape."

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

A government spokesperson was contacted for comment.