Shock as Government Supporters Purchase Hungary's Leading Daily Publication
Reporters at the country's leading publication have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.
Timing of Purchase
The acquisition, which coincides with Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is largely considered another effort to expand government influence on the media.
A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a collection of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose news site attracts approximately three million web users monthly.
Leadership Shake-up
Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another key leader were exiting in "shared decision" with the current proprietor.
Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more public-oriented, reporting on politics, economics, and culture," he commented on social media.
Employee Responses
Employees of Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I was informed of the news," remarked one journalist, who asked to stay unidentified. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable."
Blikk has introduced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.
Media Landscape Concerns
Numerous reporters who have opted to continue say they are in a complex circumstance as there are not many other media organizations left to which they could apply.
Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive government-supporting press environment to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings.
Election Timing
Whereas significant press acquisitions have usually happened either after elections or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months before April's national vote.
Blikk was considered a prime target for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are indicating that they have a serious opponent for the initial occasion in more than a decade.
Opposition Reaction
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is campaigning on pledges to eliminate entrenched dishonesty, has been outspoken about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he claims it has affected Hungary's democracy.
He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, stating it constitutes another effort by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's news publications.
Newspaper's Importance
While Blikk is a daily publication, renowned for its entertainment section and over-the-top headlines, in the recent years it has also published numerous articles on suspected graft.
"The publication represents by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," said a press expert. "Its online site has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If biased information appears in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an impact on the citizenry."
International Context
For over a decade, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" globally.
Former American officials and their supporters have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in journalistic liberty ratings.
In 2022, Orbán told a gathering of US conservatives that the route to leadership demanded "owning press organizations."
Past Media Control
In 2010, Orbán's government enacted a regulation that imposed government control over the main media regulator and positioned the state broadcaster in the hands of loyalists.
Ownership Information
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also CEO of a state-aligned TV network.
In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is obtaining a successful publication group of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and successful brands that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape."
Ringier announced in a statement that its decision to sell was "motivated entirely by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."
A government spokesperson was approached for statement.
