Surprise as Government Supporters Acquire the Nation's Top Newspaper
Media professionals at the country's most popular publication have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.
Context of Acquisition
The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to increase government influence on the media.
A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a collection of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose online platform attracts approximately three million digital visitors monthly.
Leadership Changes
Blikk's departing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and a top executive were leaving in "mutual agreement" with the current proprietor.
They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, reporting on political affairs, economic matters, and cultural topics," he commented on Facebook.
Employee Reactions
Workers from Blikk expressed being stunned. "I nearly experienced a medical emergency when I heard the declaration," said one reporter, who wished to be unnamed. "In my view, this is ethically questionable."
Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Concerns
Many journalists who have decided to stay say they are in a complex circumstance as there are not many other publications available where they could seek employment.
Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive pro-government news ecosystem to strengthen his public perception and polls.
Election Context
Although significant press transactions have tended to take place either post-election or during a calm political phase, the purchase of Ringier Hungary comes less than six months prior to April's parliamentary election.
Blikk was seen as a prime target for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are signalling that they have a serious opponent for the first time in over a decade.
Political Rival Reaction
The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is campaigning on pledges to eradicate systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he claims it has caused to Hungary's political freedom.
He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, stating it signifies another effort by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's news publications.
Publication's Significance
While Blikk is a tabloid, known for its entertainment section and sensational captions, in the recent years it has also run numerous articles on possible misconduct.
"The publication represents by far the most widely circulated daily newspaper in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," commented a press expert. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If propaganda features in such extensively consumed and influential publications, it will have an effect on the general population."
Global Perspective
For more than a decade now, Hungary has served as a model for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" around the world.
Ex-US administrators and their supporters have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in press freedom rankings.
In 2022, Orbán told a gathering of US traditionalist groups that the route to leadership required "having their own media."
Past Press Control
In 2010, Orbán's government approved a law that imposed government control over the primary press oversight body and positioned the national media outlet in the control of loyalists.
Ownership Information
Indamedia is partially controlled by MiklĂł Vaszily, a pro-government investor who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel.
In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is gaining a successful media company of similar size to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian communications sector."
Ringier stated in a communication that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."
A state communicator was contacted for response.
