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Journalists at the country's most-read newspaper have expressed shock after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The purchase, which occurs while Hungary approaches pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to expand government influence on the press.

A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had bought a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose online platform attracts approximately three million online readers monthly.

Management Changes

Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and a top executive were leaving in "mutual agreement" with the new owner.

They had been hired seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, addressing political affairs, economics, and cultural topics," he said on Facebook.

Employee Responses

Workers from Blikk expressed being shocked. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I was informed of the declaration," said one reporter, who requested to remain anonymous. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has introduced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

Several media professionals who have chosen to remain admit being in a difficult position as there are few other outlets available where they could apply.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread pro-government press environment to enhance his reputation and polls.

Election Timing

Whereas major media deals have tended to take place either following voting or during a quiet political period, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months ahead of April's general election.

Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a time when surveys are indicating that they have a real challenger for the first time in over a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is campaigning on promises to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the damage he says it has affected Hungary's political freedom.

He has condemned the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it constitutes another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.

Publication's Importance

While Blikk is a daily publication, famous for its gossip column and sensational captions, in the recent years it has also run numerous articles on alleged corruption.

"The publication represents by far the most widely circulated daily newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a media analyst. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in recent years, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an impact on the public."

International Perspective

For over a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a example for other "semi-democratic systems" internationally.

Previous US leaders and their supporters have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a meeting of US right-leaning politicians that the path to power demanded "having their own media."

Past Media Control

In 2010, Orbán's government enacted a regulation that asserted state authority over the chief communications authority and placed the public broadcaster in the hands of supporters.

Proprietorship Details

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting investor who is also top executive of a state-aligned TV network.

In a declaration, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a profitable publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and recognized names that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier announced in a communication that its decision to sell was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A state communicator was contacted for comment.