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Journalists at the country's most-read publication have voiced surprise after a media group considered aligned with nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its former Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The purchase, which comes as Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is largely considered another effort to increase state control on the press.

A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had acquired a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose online platform reaches about three million digital visitors monthly.

Management Changes

Blikk's former top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "common understanding" with the new owner.

They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on interesting stories" and to be "more public-oriented, addressing politics, economics, and cultural topics," he stated on Facebook.

Employee Reactions

Staff at Blikk said they were shocked. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I was informed of the announcement," said one reporter, who wished to be anonymous. "Personally, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has introduced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain acknowledge feeling in a complex circumstance as there are limited other publications available where they could look for work.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive pro-government media landscape to strengthen his public perception and poll numbers.

Political Context

Although important publication deals have tended to take place either following voting or during a quiet political period, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months before April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was seen as a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when surveys are indicating that they have a genuine competitor for the first time in exceeding a decade.

Political Rival Response

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is running on commitments to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been direct about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he says it has caused to Hungary's democratic system.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary transaction, stating it represents another effort by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's news publications.

Publication's Significance

Though Blikk is a daily publication, famous for its entertainment section and sensational captions, in the last several years it has also run many pieces on alleged corruption.

"The publication represents by far the most popular daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a press expert. "Its online site has become remarkably well-received in recent times, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If biased information is published by such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the citizenry."

Global Context

For over a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a blueprint for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.

Ex-US administrators and their associates have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in media freedom indexes.

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

Past Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's government passed a law that established official oversight over the main media regulator and positioned the national media outlet in the control of allies.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also CEO of a state-aligned TV network.

In a announcement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the group is obtaining a successful media company of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and popular products that play a defining role in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier stated in a release that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our concentration on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A state communicator was approached for statement.