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Reporters at Hungary's most popular newspaper have shown disbelief after a media group viewed as friendly to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The acquisition, which coincides with Hungary prepares for important elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to expand government influence on the news outlets.

A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a group of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose online platform draws around three million online readers monthly.

Leadership Changes

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

They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, covering politics, economic matters, and cultural topics," he stated on social media.

Staff Responses

Staff at Blikk said they were shocked. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I learned about the declaration," remarked one correspondent, who requested to remain anonymous. "Personally, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has announced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Many journalists who have chosen to remain admit being in a complex circumstance as there are limited other publications left to which they could apply.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling state-aligned media landscape to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings.

Political Context

Although major media acquisitions have usually happened either post-election or during a calm political phase, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs fewer than six months before April's national vote.

Blikk was considered a prime target for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when polls are suggesting that they have a serious opponent for the first time in over a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on commitments to root out deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he says it has done to Hungary's democratic system.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary transaction, declaring it signifies another attempt by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.

Newspaper's Significance

While Blikk is a daily publication, known for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also published many pieces on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most read newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," said a media analyst. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If propaganda is published by such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the general population."

Global Perspective

For over a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.

Previous US leaders and their associates have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in press freedom rankings.

In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US right-leaning politicians that the way to governance demanded "having their own media."

Past Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a regulation that asserted official oversight over the main media regulator and positioned the state broadcaster in the control of allies.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel.

In a announcement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a well-performing publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and popular products that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier stated in a statement that its decision to sell was "based solely on commercial planning elements and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A official representative was contacted for statement.