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Reporters at Hungary's most-read publication have voiced surprise 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 coincides with Hungary prepares for pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another move to expand state control on the media.

A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian media assets, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a popular tabloid whose online platform attracts approximately three million digital visitors monthly.

Management Changes

Blikk's outgoing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another senior manager were exiting in "common understanding" with the acquiring company.

They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more reader-centered, addressing politics, economic matters, and cultural topics," he commented on Facebook.

Staff Reactions

Employees of Blikk admitted feeling taken aback. "I came close to a medical emergency when I learned about the news," remarked one reporter, who asked to stay unnamed. "In my view, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Issues

Numerous reporters who have decided to stay acknowledge feeling 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 sprawling state-aligned news ecosystem to boost his image and poll numbers.

Election Context

Whereas major media transactions have tended to take place either after elections or during a calm political phase, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary happens less than six months ahead of April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was seen as a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when opinion research are indicating that they have a serious opponent for the premier instance in more than a decade.

Political Rival Response

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is campaigning on promises to root out deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he asserts it has caused to Hungary's political freedom.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it constitutes another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's press organizations.

Publication's Importance

Though Blikk is a tabloid, known for its entertainment section and dramatic titles, in the last several years it has also run many pieces on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," stated a communications specialist. "Its online site has become remarkably well-received in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If biased information appears in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the public."

International Context

For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "illiberal democracies" globally.

Ex-US administrators and their supporters have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US conservatives that the route to leadership demanded "owning press organizations."

Past Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's government enacted a regulation that established government control over the main media regulator and put the public broadcaster in the management of allies.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting businessman who is also top executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a well-performing press organization of comparable scale to Indamedia, with established industry presence and successful brands that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier stated in a statement that its determination to transfer was "motivated entirely by strategic economic considerations and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A state communicator was contacted for comment.