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Media professionals at the country's most popular newspaper have expressed shock after a media group seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its former Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary gears up for pivotal elections next year, is largely considered another attempt to increase government influence on the press.

A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had acquired a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose online platform draws around three million online readers monthly.

Leadership Shake-up

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

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, covering politics, economics, and culture," he stated on social media.

Employee Responses

Workers from Blikk said they were stunned. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I heard the news," stated one journalist, who requested to remain unnamed. "Personally, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has named a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

Many journalists who have decided to stay admit being in a difficult position as there are not many other outlets remaining where they could look for work.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive state-aligned press environment to boost his image and polls.

Political Context

Whereas significant press transactions have usually happened either after elections or during a stable political time, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months before April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was considered a main goal for Orbán and his party at a time when opinion research are suggesting that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in over a decade.

Political Rival Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is running on promises to root out deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the negative impact he claims it has caused to Hungary's democracy.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it constitutes another attempt by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Importance

Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, famous for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also run multiple stories on suspected graft.

"Blikk is by far the most widely circulated daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," commented a communications specialist. "The web version has become remarkably well-received in recent times, becoming the fourth most popular website in Hungary. If biased information features in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the public."

Global Perspective

For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has served as a model for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" around the world.

Previous US leaders and their allies have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes.

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

Historical Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's government passed a regulation that imposed state authority over the primary press oversight body and placed the public broadcaster in the management of supporters.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government investor who is also top executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a announcement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the group is obtaining a well-performing media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier stated in a communication that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A state communicator was contacted for statement.