Surprise as Government Supporters Purchase the Nation's Top Daily Publication
Media professionals at Hungary's most-read newspaper have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.
Timing of Acquisition
The acquisition, which comes as Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is largely considered another move to expand government influence on the news outlets.
A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had purchased a portfolio of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose online platform attracts approximately three million online readers monthly.
Leadership Changes
Blikk's departing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another senior manager were exiting in "shared decision" with the acquiring company.
They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing politics, economics, and cultural topics," he stated on social media.
Staff Responses
Employees of Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I came close to a cardiac episode when I was informed of the declaration," stated one correspondent, who asked to stay anonymous. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable."
Blikk has named a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Issues
Numerous reporters who have opted to continue acknowledge feeling in a complex circumstance as there are limited other publications remaining where they could apply.
Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling state-aligned press environment to boost his image and poll numbers.
Political Timing
While major media deals have usually happened either after elections or during a calm political phase, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months before April's parliamentary election.
Blikk was seen as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a period when opinion research are indicating that they have a real challenger for the premier instance in over a decade.
Political Rival Reaction
The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is promoting commitments to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the harm he asserts it has caused to Hungary's political freedom.
He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, stating it represents another effort by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.
Newspaper's Importance
Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, famous for its gossip column and sensational captions, in the recent years it has also run multiple stories on alleged corruption.
"Blikk is by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," commented a media analyst. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If biased information features in such widely read and popular media, it will have an influence on the citizenry."
Global Context
For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" around the world.
Ex-US administrators and their associates have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in journalistic liberty ratings.
In 2022, Orbán spoke to a meeting of US right-leaning politicians that the way to governance demanded "owning press organizations."
Past Media Control
In 2010, Orbán's administration approved a legislation that asserted official oversight over the primary press oversight body and placed the state broadcaster in the management of allies.
Ownership Details
Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government entrepreneur who is also chief executive of a government-friendly television station.
In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the group is acquiring a profitable press organization of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and successful brands that play a defining role in the Hungarian communications sector."
Ringier announced in a release that its decision to sell was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our focus on our core digital activities in Hungary."
A state communicator was contacted for response.
