Shock as Orbán Allies Acquire the Nation's Leading Newspaper
Media professionals at Hungary's most popular publication have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.
Timing of Acquisition
The acquisition, which comes as Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is largely considered another attempt to increase government influence on the media.
A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a portfolio of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose digital edition reaches about three million online readers monthly.
Management Changes
Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another senior manager were leaving in "common understanding" with the acquiring company.
Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, reporting on politics, economic matters, and culture," he said on Facebook.
Staff Responses
Staff at Blikk said they were shocked. "I came close to a medical emergency when I heard the declaration," said one reporter, who wished to be anonymous. "In my view, this is ethically questionable."
Blikk has introduced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Concerns
Several media professionals who have decided to stay admit being in a complex circumstance as there are not many other outlets remaining where they could apply.
During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive pro-government press environment to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings.
Election Timing
Whereas major media acquisitions have tended to take place either post-election or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary occurs fewer than six months ahead of April's general election.
Blikk was considered a key objective for Orbán and his party at a time when opinion research are suggesting that they have a serious opponent for the initial occasion in exceeding a decade.
Political Rival Reaction
The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on commitments to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he claims it has affected Hungary's democratic system.
He has condemned the Ringier Hungary transaction, saying it represents another move by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.
Publication's Importance
Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, renowned for its gossip column and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also run many pieces on possible misconduct.
"This newspaper stands as by far the most popular daily newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a media analyst. "Its online site has become remarkably well-received in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If propaganda features in such highly popular and influential publications, it will have an impact on the citizenry."
Global Perspective
For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has served as a model for other "semi-democratic systems" globally.
Ex-US administrators and their supporters have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes.
In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US conservatives that the route to leadership required "having their own media."
Past Press Regulation
In 2010, Orbán's regime approved a regulation that asserted official oversight over the main media regulator and positioned the national media outlet in the hands of allies.
Ownership Details
Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government entrepreneur who is also top executive of a pro-government private channel.
In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a well-performing publication group of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian communications sector."
Ringier said in a statement that its decision to sell was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our core digital activities in Hungary."
A state communicator was approached for statement.
