Surprise as Orbán Allies Acquire the Nation's Leading Newspaper
Journalists at Hungary's most popular publication have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.
Timing of Purchase
The acquisition, which coincides with Hungary approaches important elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to expand government influence on the press.
A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose news site attracts approximately three million web users monthly.
Management Changes
Blikk's former chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another key leader were departing in "common understanding" with the current proprietor.
They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on political affairs, economic matters, and culture," he stated on social media.
Staff Responses
Employees of Blikk said they were shocked. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I learned about the news," stated one correspondent, who wished to be anonymous. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable."
Blikk has named a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Media Landscape Concerns
Many journalists who have chosen to remain admit being in a complex circumstance as there are not many other media organizations remaining where they could apply.
Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread government-supporting news ecosystem to boost his image and public opinion ratings.
Political Context
Whereas important publication acquisitions have usually happened either post-election or during a stable political time, the buyout of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months ahead of April's national vote.
Blikk was seen as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a period when surveys are suggesting that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in more than a decade.
Opposition Response
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is campaigning on pledges to eliminate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the damage he says it has caused to Hungary's political freedom.
He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, saying it represents another move by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's media outlets.
Newspaper's Importance
Although Blikk is a daily publication, known for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the last several years it has also featured numerous articles on suspected graft.
"The publication represents by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a press expert. "Their digital platform has become remarkably well-received in the past few years, becoming the fourth most read digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda is published by such extensively consumed and popular media, it will have an influence on the public."
Global Perspective
For exceeding a decade, Hungary has acted as a example for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.
Previous US leaders and their associates have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in media freedom indexes.
In 2022, Orbán spoke to a meeting of US conservatives that the way to governance demanded "owning press organizations."
Past Media Control
In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a legislation that imposed official oversight over the primary press oversight body and positioned the national media outlet in the management of loyalists.
Ownership Details
Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned investor who is also chief executive of a state-aligned TV network.
In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the company is gaining a profitable publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier stated in a statement that its choice to divest was "based solely on business strategy factors and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary."
A state communicator was approached for response.
