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Reporters at the country's most popular publication have expressed shock after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its former Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary approaches crucial elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to increase government influence on the news outlets.

A pro-Orbán media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had purchased a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a popular tabloid whose news site draws around three million online readers monthly.

Management Shake-up

Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and a top executive were leaving in "mutual agreement" with the acquiring company.

They had been hired seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, reporting on politics, economic matters, and culture," he stated on Facebook.

Employee Reactions

Workers from Blikk said they were stunned. "I almost had a medical emergency when I heard the announcement," remarked one journalist, who asked to stay unnamed. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."

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

Media Landscape Concerns

Several media professionals who have opted to continue admit being in a complex circumstance as there are limited other publications left to which they could seek employment.

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

Election Context

While important publication deals have usually happened either after elections or during a stable political time, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary happens less than six months before April's national vote.

Blikk was seen as a prime target for Orbán and his party at a moment when surveys are indicating that they have a serious opponent for the initial occasion in exceeding a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is campaigning on commitments to eliminate entrenched dishonesty, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the negative impact he says it has affected Hungary's democracy.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary transaction, saying it signifies another effort by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's news publications.

Publication's Importance

Though Blikk is a tabloid, renowned for its gossip column and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also featured many pieces on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most popular daily publication in Hungary, a market leader," said a press expert. "Its online site has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If propaganda is published by such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the public."

Global Perspective

For exceeding a decade, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" globally.

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

In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US right-leaning politicians that the path to power required "controlling media outlets."

Past Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a legislation that imposed state authority over the chief communications authority and positioned the state broadcaster in the control of supporters.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned businessman who is also chief executive of a state-aligned TV network.

In a declaration, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is obtaining a profitable publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and popular products that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier stated in a release that its decision to sell was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our concentration on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was contacted for response.