Disbelief as Orbán Allies Acquire the Nation's Most-Read Newspaper
Reporters at Hungary's leading publication have shown disbelief after a media group seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.
Timing of Acquisition
The acquisition, which coincides with Hungary gears up for pivotal elections next year, is largely considered another move to expand government influence on the news outlets.
A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a group of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose online platform reaches about three million digital visitors monthly.
Leadership Shake-up
Blikk's former chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another senior manager were exiting in "shared decision" with the current proprietor.
They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, reporting on politics, economics, and culture," he said on Facebook.
Employee Reactions
Employees of Blikk expressed being stunned. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I learned about the news," remarked one correspondent, who wished to be unnamed. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable."
Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Concerns
Many journalists who have decided to stay say they are 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 government-supporting media landscape to boost his image and polls.
Election Context
Although major media acquisitions have typically occurred either following voting or during a calm political phase, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months before April's parliamentary election.
Blikk was considered a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are signalling that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in more than a decade.
Political Rival Reaction
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is promoting promises to eradicate entrenched dishonesty, has been vocal about Orbán's "media machine" and the damage he asserts it has caused to Hungary's democracy.
He has questioned the Ringier Hungary transaction, saying it represents another attempt by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.
Publication's Importance
While Blikk is a tabloid, renowned for its entertainment section and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also run multiple stories on alleged corruption.
"The publication represents by far the most popular newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a communications specialist. "Its online site has become remarkably well-received in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the citizenry."
International Perspective
For exceeding a decade now, Hungary has served as a model for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" globally.
Previous US leaders and their associates have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in press freedom rankings.
In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US right-leaning politicians that the way to governance required "controlling media outlets."
Historical Press Regulation
In 2010, Orbán's government enacted a legislation that asserted state authority over the primary press oversight body and positioned the national media outlet in the management of supporters.
Proprietorship Information
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting businessman who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel.
In a declaration, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a well-performing publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and successful brands that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier announced in a communication that its determination to transfer was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our main internet businesses in Hungary."
A state communicator was contacted for statement.