Surprise as Government Supporters Take Over Hungary's Most-Read Daily Publication
Reporters at the country's leading newspaper have expressed shock after a media conglomerate considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.
Context of Purchase
The buyout, which comes as Hungary prepares for pivotal elections next year, is largely considered another move to expand government influence on the news outlets.
A pro-Orbán media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a group of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose news site reaches about three million web users monthly.
Management Changes
Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another key leader were exiting in "mutual agreement" with the acquiring company.
Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on compelling journalism" and to be "more audience-focused, covering politics, economic matters, and culture," he said on social media.
Staff Reactions
Employees of Blikk expressed being stunned. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I heard the announcement," remarked one reporter, who requested to remain unnamed. "For me, this is professionally concerning."
Blikk has introduced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.
Media Landscape Concerns
Numerous reporters who have opted to continue admit being in a difficult position as there are few other outlets available where they could look for work.
Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread state-aligned news ecosystem to boost his image and public opinion ratings.
Political Timing
Whereas important publication acquisitions have usually happened either following voting or during a quiet political period, the purchase of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months prior to April's parliamentary election.
Blikk was seen as a prime target for Orbán and his party at a time when surveys are indicating that they have a genuine competitor for the premier instance in exceeding a decade.
Political Rival Reaction
The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is promoting pledges to root out entrenched dishonesty, has been direct about Orbán's "media machine" and the damage he claims it has caused to Hungary's democracy.
He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it represents another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.
Publication's Importance
Though Blikk is a daily publication, known for its entertainment section and dramatic titles, in the recent years it has also featured numerous articles on alleged corruption.
"This newspaper stands as by far the most widely circulated daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," stated a press expert. "Their digital platform has become unexpectedly successful in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda appears in such extensively consumed and popular media, it will have an influence on the public."
International Context
For over a decade now, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.
Former American officials and their allies have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in journalistic liberty ratings.
In 2022, Orbán spoke to a gathering of US right-leaning politicians that the path to power demanded "controlling media outlets."
Past Media Regulation
In 2010, Orbán's administration passed a regulation that imposed state authority over the main media regulator and placed the public broadcaster in the control of allies.
Proprietorship Details
Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned businessman who is also top executive of a state-aligned TV network.
In a announcement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is gaining a successful publication group of comparable scale to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and recognized names that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier stated in a communication that its determination to transfer was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our primary online operations in Hungary."
A official representative was sought for statement.
