Disbelief as Government Supporters Purchase Hungary's Most-Read Daily Publication
Journalists at the country's most-read publication have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.
Context of Acquisition
The purchase, which occurs while Hungary approaches important elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to strengthen state control on the press.
A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose online platform attracts approximately three million web users monthly.
Management Changes
Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "mutual agreement" with the new owner.
Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, reporting on political affairs, economics, and cultural topics," he said on social media.
Staff Reactions
Staff at Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I was informed of the announcement," remarked one journalist, who requested to remain anonymous. "For me, this is ethically questionable."
Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Issues
Numerous reporters who have decided to stay admit being in a difficult position as there are limited other outlets left to which they could look for work.
During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling state-aligned media landscape to boost his image and public opinion ratings.
Election Timing
Whereas significant press transactions have usually happened either after elections or during a stable political time, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months prior to April's parliamentary election.
Blikk was seen as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a period when surveys are indicating that they have a real challenger for the first time in over a decade.
Political Rival Response
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is promoting commitments to eliminate entrenched dishonesty, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he says it has caused to Hungary's democratic system.
He has condemned the Ringier Hungary deal, stating it constitutes another move by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's press organizations.
Newspaper's Importance
Though Blikk is a daily publication, renowned for its entertainment section and dramatic titles, in the recent years it has also run numerous articles on possible misconduct.
"The publication represents by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a market leader," commented a communications specialist. "Its online site has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such widely read and popular media, it will have an impact on the public."
International Perspective
For over a ten-year period, Hungary has functioned as a example for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.
Ex-US administrators and their allies have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in media freedom indexes.
In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US traditionalist groups that the way to governance necessitated "having their own media."
Historical Media Regulation
In 2010, Orbán's government enacted a legislation that established official oversight over the chief communications authority and placed the national media outlet in the control of loyalists.
Proprietorship Information
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned investor who is also top executive of a state-aligned TV network.
In a declaration, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is acquiring a successful press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and recognized names that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector."
Ringier said in a communication that its choice to divest was "motivated entirely by business strategy factors and our concentration on our primary online operations in Hungary."
A government spokesperson was contacted for comment.
