🔗 Share this article Shock as Orbán Allies Acquire the Nation's Most-Read Daily Publication Media professionals at the country's most-read publication have voiced surprise after a media group considered aligned with nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners. Timing of Acquisition The buyout, which coincides with Hungary prepares for pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to strengthen state control on the media. A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular tabloid whose digital edition reaches about three million web users monthly. Management Shake-up Blikk's former chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another key leader were departing in "mutual agreement" with the acquiring company. They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more reader-centered, covering political affairs, economics, and cultural topics," he said on social media. Employee Reactions Staff at Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I heard the announcement," stated one reporter, who requested to remain anonymous. "For me, this is ethically questionable." Blikk has announced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry. Press Environment Concerns Numerous reporters who have opted to continue admit being in a difficult position as there are limited other outlets available where they could seek employment. Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive pro-government news ecosystem to enhance his reputation and polls. Election Context While major media transactions have typically occurred either post-election or during a stable political time, the purchase of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months before April's national vote. Blikk was considered a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a time when surveys are signalling that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in over a decade. Political Rival Reaction The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is campaigning on commitments to root out deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he asserts it has done to Hungary's political freedom. He has criticised the Ringier Hungary transaction, stating it constitutes another attempt by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets. Publication's Significance Although Blikk is a tabloid, renowned for its entertainment section and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also run numerous articles on alleged corruption. "The publication represents by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," commented a communications specialist. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in recent years, becoming the fourth most read online site in Hungary. If partisan content is published by such widely read and popular media, it will have an impact on the citizenry." International Perspective For more than a decade now, Hungary has functioned as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" internationally. Ex-US administrators and their allies have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in journalistic liberty ratings. In 2022, Orbán told a gathering of US conservatives that the path to power demanded "owning press organizations." Past Media Control In 2010, Orbán's government enacted a law that asserted government control over the primary press oversight body and put the state broadcaster in the hands of allies. Proprietorship Details Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned businessman who is also CEO of a state-aligned TV network. In a declaration, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a successful publication group of comparable scale to Indamedia, with established industry presence and recognized names that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian communications sector." Ringier said in a statement that its determination to transfer was "motivated entirely by business strategy factors and our emphasis on our primary online operations in Hungary." A government spokesperson was sought for response.