Disbelief as Government Supporters Purchase the Nation's Most-Read Newspaper
Reporters at Hungary's leading publication have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.
Timing of Purchase
The buyout, which occurs while Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is largely considered another move to strengthen state control on the press.
A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had acquired a collection of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose news site attracts approximately three million online readers monthly.
Leadership Shake-up
Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another key leader were exiting in "shared decision" with the acquiring company.
Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, covering political affairs, economic matters, and cultural topics," he stated on Facebook.
Employee Reactions
Staff at Blikk expressed being stunned. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I heard the announcement," stated one correspondent, who requested to remain unnamed. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable."
Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Concerns
Many journalists who have opted to continue say they are in a complex circumstance as there are few other publications remaining where they could seek employment.
During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling state-aligned press environment to boost his image and poll numbers.
Political Context
While important publication acquisitions have tended to take place either post-election or during a stable political time, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary occurs fewer than six months prior to April's parliamentary election.
Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a period when polls are signalling that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in more than a decade.
Political Rival Response
The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is campaigning on commitments to eradicate systemic graft, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the negative impact he says it has done to Hungary's democratic system.
He has condemned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it constitutes another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's media outlets.
Publication's Significance
Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, famous for its celebrity news and dramatic titles, in the last several years it has also featured numerous articles on suspected graft.
"The publication represents by far the most popular daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," stated a communications specialist. "The web version has become remarkably well-received in recent years, becoming the fourth most popular website in Hungary. If biased information is published by such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the general population."
Global Context
For over a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" globally.
Previous US leaders and their supporters have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in media freedom indexes.
In 2022, Orbán spoke to a meeting of US traditionalist groups that the way to governance required "owning press organizations."
Past Media Control
In 2010, Orbán's government approved a law that established government control over the chief communications authority and positioned the public broadcaster in the hands of loyalists.
Ownership Information
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned businessman who is also chief executive of a pro-government private channel.
In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a profitable publication group of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector."
Ringier stated in a communication that its decision to sell was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."
A government spokesperson was approached for comment.
