Disbelief as Orbán Allies Purchase Hungary's Most-Read Newspaper
Reporters at the country's leading publication have expressed shock after a media group seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.
Timing of Acquisition
The purchase, which coincides with Hungary approaches crucial elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to strengthen state control on the media.
A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose digital edition draws around three million web users monthly.
Leadership Shake-up
Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another key leader were departing in "mutual agreement" with the acquiring company.
They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on interesting stories" and to be "more reader-centered, covering political affairs, economics, and culture," he stated on Facebook.
Employee Reactions
Employees of Blikk expressed being shocked. "I almost had a medical emergency when I was informed of the declaration," remarked one reporter, who wished to be unidentified. "For me, this is professionally concerning."
Blikk has introduced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.
Media Landscape Concerns
Several media professionals who have opted to continue say they are in a challenging situation as there are not many other outlets remaining where they could seek employment.
Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread state-aligned media landscape to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings.
Election Timing
Whereas important publication acquisitions have typically occurred either after elections or during a calm political phase, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months before April's general election.
Blikk was considered 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 more than a decade.
Political Rival Response
The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is running on pledges to eliminate systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he claims it has done to Hungary's democracy.
He has condemned the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it constitutes another effort by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's media outlets.
Newspaper's Significance
Although Blikk is a tabloid, famous for its celebrity news and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also run numerous articles on suspected graft.
"The publication represents by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," stated a communications specialist. "Its online site has become unexpectedly successful in recent years, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If biased information appears in such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the general population."
Global Context
For over a decade now, Hungary has served as a model for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" internationally.
Former American officials and their allies have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in press freedom rankings.
In 2022, Orbán spoke to a gathering of US conservatives that the path to power required "having their own media."
Historical Press Control
In 2010, Orbán's government approved a legislation that imposed state authority over the main media regulator and placed the state broadcaster in the control of supporters.
Proprietorship Information
Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also chief executive of a state-aligned TV network.
In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is obtaining a successful media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and popular products that play a defining role in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier stated in a release that its determination to transfer was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary."
A official representative was approached for comment.
