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Journalists at the country's most popular newspaper have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

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

A pro-Orbán media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had bought a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose online platform attracts approximately three million web users monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's former top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another senior manager were leaving in "common understanding" with the acquiring company.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, covering politics, economics, and culture," he commented on social media.

Employee Responses

Employees of Blikk said they were shocked. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I was informed of the news," said one reporter, who asked to stay anonymous. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Numerous reporters who have decided to stay acknowledge feeling in a difficult position as there are few other media organizations available where they could apply.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread pro-government media landscape to enhance his reputation and poll numbers.

Election Context

Although significant press acquisitions have usually happened either after elections or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes under six months before April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a period when opinion research are suggesting that they have a serious opponent for the first time in exceeding a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is promoting promises to root out systemic graft, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the negative impact he asserts it has affected Hungary's democracy.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, stating it constitutes another move by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Significance

Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, famous for its entertainment section and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also run many pieces on suspected graft.

"This newspaper stands as 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 the past few years, becoming the fourth most visited digital platform in Hungary. If biased information features in such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the general population."

International Context

For more than a decade now, Hungary has acted as a model for other "semi-democratic systems" globally.

Former American officials and their allies have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a conference of US right-leaning politicians that the way to governance required "owning press organizations."

Past Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's government passed a regulation that imposed state authority over the main media regulator and placed the public broadcaster in the hands of loyalists.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting businessman who is also CEO of a government-friendly television station.

In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a profitable press organization of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier stated in a release that its determination to transfer was "driven exclusively by business strategy factors and our focus on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A state communicator was sought for statement.