Surprise as Government Supporters Purchase the Nation's Most-Read Newspaper
Media professionals at Hungary's leading newspaper have voiced surprise after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.
Context of Purchase
The buyout, which occurs while Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to increase government influence on the press.
A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had purchased a collection of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose news site draws around three million digital visitors monthly.
Leadership Changes
Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "mutual agreement" with the acquiring company.
They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, reporting on political affairs, economic matters, and cultural topics," he said on social media.
Employee Responses
Employees of Blikk admitted feeling taken aback. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I was informed of the declaration," remarked one correspondent, who asked to stay unnamed. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable."
Blikk has named a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Issues
Several media professionals who have opted to continue acknowledge feeling in a complex circumstance as there are few other media organizations available where they could apply.
Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government press environment to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings.
Election Context
While major media deals have typically occurred either post-election or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months ahead of April's general election.
Blikk was seen as a main goal for Orbán and his party at a moment when polls are indicating that they have a genuine competitor for the premier instance in exceeding a decade.
Opposition Response
The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is promoting promises to root out deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "media machine" and the harm he claims it has caused to Hungary's democratic system.
He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, saying it constitutes another attempt by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.
Newspaper's Importance
While Blikk is a tabloid, known for its entertainment section and dramatic titles, in the recent years it has also featured many pieces on suspected graft.
"The publication represents by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a media analyst. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the citizenry."
Global Context
For over a decade now, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "illiberal democracies" globally.
Former American officials and their associates have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in journalistic liberty ratings.
In 2022, Orbán spoke to a meeting of US conservatives that the path to power required "having their own media."
Past Media Regulation
In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a legislation that asserted state authority over the primary press oversight body and positioned the state broadcaster in the control of allies.
Proprietorship Information
Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government investor who is also chief executive of a pro-government private channel.
In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the group is gaining a profitable press organization of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape."
Ringier announced in a release that its determination to transfer was "based solely on commercial planning elements and our concentration on our main internet businesses in Hungary."
A state communicator was sought for comment.
