Disbelief as Government Supporters Acquire Hungary's Leading Daily Publication
Media professionals at the country's most popular publication have voiced surprise after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.
Context of Acquisition
The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary approaches crucial elections next year, is generally viewed as another move to expand state control on the press.
A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had acquired a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose digital edition attracts approximately three million web users monthly.
Management Shake-up
Blikk's outgoing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another senior manager were leaving in "shared decision" with the new owner.
They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, reporting on politics, economic matters, and culture," he stated on Facebook.
Employee Reactions
Staff at Blikk expressed being stunned. "I almost had a medical emergency when I heard the announcement," remarked one journalist, who requested to remain unnamed. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable."
Blikk has named a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Issues
Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain say they are in a challenging situation as there are not many other outlets left to which they could seek employment.
Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive pro-government media landscape to boost his image and polls.
Election Timing
Although important publication deals have typically occurred 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 prime target for Orbán and his party at a moment when polls are indicating that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in more than a decade.
Political Rival Reaction
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is campaigning on pledges to eliminate entrenched dishonesty, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the harm he says it has done to Hungary's democratic system.
He has criticised the Ringier Hungary transaction, stating it signifies another attempt by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's media outlets.
Newspaper's Significance
While Blikk is a popular newspaper, renowned for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the recent years it has also published many pieces on possible misconduct.
"Blikk is by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a communications specialist. "The web version has become remarkably well-received in recent years, becoming the fourth most read online site in Hungary. If biased information appears in such highly popular and popular media, it will have an influence on the citizenry."
International Perspective
For exceeding a decade, Hungary has served as a example for other "illiberal democracies" around the world.
Previous US leaders and their supporters have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in journalistic liberty ratings.
In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US traditionalist groups that the route to leadership required "owning press organizations."
Past Media Control
In 2010, Orbán's administration enacted a legislation that imposed official oversight over the chief communications authority and positioned the state broadcaster in the control of allies.
Proprietorship Details
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned businessman who is also CEO of a state-aligned TV network.
In a declaration, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the group is obtaining a successful media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian communications sector."
Ringier announced in a communication that its determination to transfer was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our emphasis on our main internet businesses in Hungary."
A government spokesperson was approached for comment.
