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Reporters at Hungary's leading newspaper have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary prepares for important elections next year, is generally viewed as another attempt to strengthen government influence on the press.

A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose digital edition draws around three million online readers monthly.

Management Shake-up

Blikk's departing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another key leader were departing in "common understanding" with the new owner.

They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing politics, economics, and cultural topics," he stated on social media.

Employee Reactions

Staff at Blikk said they were shocked. "I almost had a heart attack when I heard the announcement," said one correspondent, who requested to remain unidentified. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Issues

Several media professionals who have decided to stay admit being in a challenging situation as there are limited other publications available where they could apply.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling government-supporting media landscape to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings.

Election Context

Although important publication deals have tended to take place either following voting or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes less than six months prior to April's national vote.

Blikk was considered a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when surveys are suggesting that they have a real challenger for the first time in more than a decade.

Opposition Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is campaigning on promises to root out systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he claims it has affected Hungary's democracy.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it represents another attempt by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Importance

Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, renowned for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the last several years it has also run multiple stories on possible misconduct.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most read newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," said a communications specialist. "Its online site has become unexpectedly successful in recent years, becoming the fourth most read online site in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such highly popular and popular media, it will have an impact on the general population."

International Context

For exceeding a decade now, Hungary has acted as a model for other "illiberal democracies" around the world.

Former American officials and their supporters have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán told a conference of US traditionalist groups that the path to power required "having their own media."

Historical Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's government passed a legislation that imposed government control over the main media regulator and put the national media outlet in the hands of supporters.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government entrepreneur who is also CEO of a government-friendly television station.

In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is acquiring a successful media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and successful brands that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier announced in a statement that its decision to sell was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was sought for comment.