Disbelief as Government Supporters Purchase the Nation's Most-Read Newspaper
Media professionals at the country's leading newspaper have expressed shock after a media conglomerate seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.
Context of Purchase
The buyout, which occurs while Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is largely considered another effort to expand government influence on the news outlets.
A pro-Orbán media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had bought a portfolio of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular tabloid whose news site attracts approximately three million digital visitors monthly.
Leadership Changes
Blikk's departing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another key leader were departing in "shared decision" with the acquiring company.
They had been hired seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, reporting on political affairs, economics, and cultural topics," he said on social media.
Employee Responses
Staff at Blikk admitted feeling shocked. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I was informed of the announcement," remarked one journalist, who wished to be anonymous. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."
Blikk has announced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.
Media Landscape Issues
Many journalists who have opted to continue acknowledge feeling in a challenging situation as there are limited other publications left to which they could seek employment.
Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread state-aligned media landscape to boost his image and poll numbers.
Election Context
Whereas significant press deals have usually happened either following voting or during a stable political time, the buyout of Ringier Hungary happens under six months ahead of April's parliamentary election.
Blikk was seen as a prime target for Orbán and his political organization at a time when surveys are signalling that they have a serious opponent for the premier instance in over a decade.
Political Rival Response
The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is running on commitments to root out deep-seated corruption, has been direct about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the negative impact he says it has affected Hungary's political freedom.
He has questioned the Ringier Hungary transaction, saying it represents another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's press organizations.
Newspaper's Significance
Though Blikk is a tabloid, known for its celebrity news and sensational captions, in the recent years it has also featured numerous articles on suspected graft.
"This newspaper stands as by far the most widely circulated newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a press expert. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most visited digital platform in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the public."
International Context
For over a decade, Hungary has served as a example for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" around the world.
Former American officials and their associates have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in journalistic liberty ratings.
In 2022, Orbán told a gathering of US right-leaning politicians that the route to leadership necessitated "controlling media outlets."
Past Press Regulation
In 2010, Orbán's administration enacted a regulation that asserted government control over the chief communications authority and put the public broadcaster in the management of allies.
Proprietorship Details
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also chief executive of a government-friendly television station.
In a statement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the company is gaining a well-performing publication group of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and recognized names that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier said in a release that its choice to divest was "motivated entirely by business strategy factors and our emphasis on our main internet businesses in Hungary."
A state communicator was sought for response.
