Surprise as Government Supporters Acquire Hungary's Leading Newspaper
Media professionals at the country's most-read publication have shown disbelief after a media group considered aligned with nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its former Swiss owners.
Context of Acquisition
The purchase, which comes as Hungary prepares for important elections next year, is generally viewed as another effort to increase state control on the press.
A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose digital edition reaches about three million online readers monthly.
Leadership Changes
Blikk's former chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another key leader were exiting in "shared decision" with the new owner.
They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on interesting stories" and to be "more public-oriented, covering politics, economics, and cultural topics," he stated on Facebook.
Staff Reactions
Staff at Blikk admitted feeling shocked. "I came close to a heart attack when I heard the news," remarked one reporter, who asked to stay unnamed. "For me, this is professionally concerning."
Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Issues
Several media professionals who have chosen to remain acknowledge feeling in a difficult position as there are not many other media organizations left to which they could look for work.
Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread state-aligned news ecosystem to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings.
Election Context
Whereas significant press acquisitions have tended to take place either after elections or during a stable political time, the buyout of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months before April's parliamentary election.
Blikk was seen as a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are signalling that they have a genuine competitor for the first time in exceeding a decade.
Opposition Response
The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is promoting promises to eliminate systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the damage he asserts it has affected Hungary's democratic system.
He has questioned the Ringier Hungary transaction, saying it represents another move by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's news publications.
Publication's Significance
While Blikk is a tabloid, known for its gossip column and sensational captions, in the last several years it has also published multiple stories on possible misconduct.
"The publication represents by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a communications specialist. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If partisan content features in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the citizenry."
International Context
For over a decade, Hungary has acted as a blueprint for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.
Previous US leaders and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in journalistic liberty ratings.
In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US right-leaning politicians that the route to leadership demanded "controlling media outlets."
Historical Media Control
In 2010, Orbán's regime approved a regulation that established government control over the chief communications authority and positioned the public broadcaster in the hands of loyalists.
Ownership Information
Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting entrepreneur who is also CEO of a state-aligned TV network.
In a announcement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is obtaining a successful media company of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier said in a release that its choice to divest was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our core digital activities in Hungary."
A government spokesperson was contacted for comment.
