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Journalists at the country's most popular publication have expressed shock after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The buyout, which coincides with Hungary approaches crucial elections next year, is largely considered another effort to expand government influence on the press.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had acquired a portfolio of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose news site reaches about three million online readers monthly.

Management Changes

Blikk's departing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "shared decision" with the current proprietor.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more reader-centered, covering politics, economic matters, and cultural topics," he said on Facebook.

Staff Responses

Workers from Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I came close to a cardiac episode when I heard the declaration," stated one journalist, who requested to remain unidentified. "For me, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has introduced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

Several media professionals who have opted to continue say they are in a challenging situation as there are few other publications available where they could apply.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive pro-government news ecosystem to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings.

Political Context

Although important publication deals have typically occurred either after elections or during a stable political time, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary comes under six months prior to April's national vote.

Blikk was viewed as a prime target for Orbán and his party at a period when surveys are suggesting that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in exceeding a decade.

Opposition Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is running on commitments to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the harm he says it has done to Hungary's democratic system.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it constitutes another attempt by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Importance

Although Blikk is a daily publication, famous for its entertainment section and dramatic titles, in the last several years it has also featured many pieces on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a press expert. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most read online site in Hungary. If biased information features in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an impact on the citizenry."

Global Perspective

For over a decade now, Hungary has served as a example for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.

Ex-US administrators and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a meeting of US conservatives that the route to leadership demanded "controlling media outlets."

Historical Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's government approved a regulation that imposed government control over the chief communications authority and put the state broadcaster in the control of supporters.

Proprietorship Information

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned investor who is also CEO of a state-aligned TV network.

In a announcement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a profitable media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and popular products that play a defining role in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier said in a release that its decision to sell was "based solely on commercial planning elements and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was approached for statement.