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Media professionals at the country's leading publication have expressed shock after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its former Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The purchase, which coincides with Hungary prepares for important elections next year, is widely seen as another move to strengthen government influence on the news outlets.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose digital edition draws around three million digital visitors monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and a top executive were leaving in "common understanding" with the acquiring company.

They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more audience-focused, covering politics, economics, and cultural topics," he stated on Facebook.

Staff Responses

Employees of Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I learned about the news," remarked one journalist, who requested to remain unnamed. "For me, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has introduced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Issues

Many journalists who have opted to continue admit being in a complex circumstance as there are not many other publications left to which they could look for work.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling government-supporting media landscape to enhance his reputation and polls.

Political Timing

While important publication acquisitions have usually happened either after elections or during a stable political time, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes under six months prior to April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was considered a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when polls are indicating that they have a genuine competitor for the premier instance in exceeding a decade.

Political Rival Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on commitments to root out deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he claims it has affected Hungary's democracy.

He has condemned the Ringier Hungary deal, stating it constitutes another attempt by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's media outlets.

Newspaper's Importance

Although Blikk is a tabloid, known for its gossip column and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also featured many pieces on possible misconduct.

"Blikk is by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," commented a press expert. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular online site in Hungary. If biased information is published by such highly popular and popular media, it will have an influence on the public."

International Context

For exceeding a decade, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.

Previous US leaders and their supporters have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán told a conference of US conservatives that the route to leadership necessitated "owning press organizations."

Past Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's administration approved a law that imposed government control over the main media regulator and put the public broadcaster in the control of allies.

Proprietorship Information

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting entrepreneur who is also top executive of a pro-government private channel.

In a announcement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is gaining a well-performing publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and recognized names that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier stated in a communication that its determination to transfer was "motivated entirely by business strategy factors and our emphasis on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A official representative was approached for comment.