Surprise as Government Supporters Acquire Hungary's Leading Daily Publication
Journalists at Hungary's most popular publication have expressed shock after a media conglomerate seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.
Timing of Acquisition
The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is largely considered another attempt to expand state control on the press.
A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a collection of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose news site draws around three million online readers monthly.
Leadership Changes
Blikk's departing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another key leader were departing in "common understanding" with the acquiring company.
They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on interesting stories" and to be "more public-oriented, reporting on political affairs, economic matters, and cultural topics," he said on social media.
Employee Reactions
Workers from Blikk admitted feeling taken aback. "I nearly experienced a medical emergency when I learned about the declaration," remarked one journalist, who asked to stay unnamed. "For me, this is ethically questionable."
Blikk has named a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Concerns
Many journalists who have decided to stay acknowledge feeling in a difficult position as there are few 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 strengthen his public perception and poll numbers.
Political Timing
While significant press acquisitions have typically occurred either following voting or during a quiet political period, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months ahead of April's national vote.
Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a time when surveys are indicating that they have a serious opponent for the premier instance in over a decade.
Political Rival Reaction
The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is running on promises to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he says it has affected Hungary's democratic system.
He has condemned the Ringier Hungary transaction, stating it signifies another attempt by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's media outlets.
Publication's Significance
Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, renowned for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the recent years it has also run multiple stories on suspected graft.
"The publication represents by far the most popular daily newspaper in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," stated a communications specialist. "The web version has become remarkably well-received in recent times, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If partisan content is published by such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the public."
Global Context
For more than a decade now, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.
Former American officials and their supporters have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes.
In 2022, Orbán addressed a conference of US conservatives that the way to governance necessitated "controlling media outlets."
Past Press Control
In 2010, Orbán's administration passed a regulation that imposed state authority over the primary press oversight body and positioned the state broadcaster in the management of loyalists.
Ownership Information
Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned businessman who is also top executive of a pro-government private channel.
In a declaration, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the organization is acquiring a successful publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and popular products that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier announced in a release that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our main internet businesses in Hungary."
A government spokesperson was approached for comment.
