Surprise as Orbán Allies Purchase the Nation's Most-Read Newspaper
Media professionals at Hungary's most-read newspaper have shown disbelief after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.
Timing of Purchase
The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary approaches pivotal elections next year, is largely considered another move to strengthen government influence on the news outlets.
A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had bought a collection of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose digital edition reaches about three million digital visitors monthly.
Leadership Changes
Blikk's outgoing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "mutual agreement" with the new owner.
Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, covering politics, economics, and culture," he commented on social media.
Staff Reactions
Employees of Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I heard the declaration," remarked one correspondent, who asked to stay unnamed. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."
Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Media Landscape Concerns
Numerous reporters who have opted to continue say they are in a complex circumstance as there are few other publications available where they could seek employment.
Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government press environment to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings.
Political Context
While major media deals have tended to take place either after elections or during a calm political phase, the purchase of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months ahead of April's national vote.
Blikk was viewed as a prime target for Orbán and his party at a time when polls are signalling that they have a genuine competitor for the first time in over a decade.
Political Rival Response
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is running on promises to eradicate systemic graft, has been vocal about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he says it has affected Hungary's political freedom.
He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, stating it represents another effort by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's news publications.
Publication's Importance
Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, famous for its celebrity news and sensational captions, in the past few years it has also featured multiple stories on possible misconduct.
"The publication represents by far the most popular daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," commented a press expert. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If biased information appears in such widely read and popular media, it will have an impact on the general population."
International Perspective
For exceeding a decade, Hungary has acted as a model for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" around the world.
Previous US leaders and their supporters have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in media freedom indexes.
In 2022, Orbán spoke to a conference of US right-leaning politicians that the path to power required "controlling media outlets."
Historical Press Control
In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a legislation that imposed government control over the chief communications authority and put the state broadcaster in the hands of allies.
Ownership Information
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting investor who is also chief executive of a pro-government private channel.
In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is gaining a profitable media company of comparable scale to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and recognized names that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape."
Ringier announced in a release that its decision to sell was "motivated entirely by commercial planning elements and our emphasis on our primary online operations in Hungary."
A state communicator was approached for statement.