Shock as Government Supporters Take Over Hungary's Top Newspaper
Reporters at the country's most popular publication have expressed shock after a media conglomerate considered aligned with nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.
Context of Purchase
The acquisition, which comes as Hungary approaches important elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to increase government influence on the media.
A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had bought a portfolio of Hungarian media assets, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose digital edition attracts approximately three million web users monthly.
Management Changes
Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and a top executive were leaving in "mutual agreement" with the current proprietor.
Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on engaging content" and to be "more public-oriented, addressing politics, economic matters, and culture," he commented on Facebook.
Staff Reactions
Workers from Blikk said they were taken aback. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I heard the news," remarked one journalist, who wished to be unnamed. "For me, this is professionally concerning."
Blikk has named a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Concerns
Numerous reporters who have opted to continue say they are in a challenging situation as there are not many other outlets available where they could look for work.
Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread government-supporting media landscape to boost his image and poll numbers.
Election Context
While significant press acquisitions have typically occurred either after elections or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months prior to April's general election.
Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his party at a period when surveys are signalling that they have a genuine competitor for the premier instance in exceeding a decade.
Opposition Response
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is promoting commitments to root out deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he says it has affected Hungary's democracy.
He has criticised the Ringier Hungary transaction, declaring it represents another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's news publications.
Publication's Importance
Though Blikk is a tabloid, renowned for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the recent years it has also featured many pieces on suspected graft.
"This newspaper stands as by far the most widely circulated newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," said a media analyst. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most read online site in Hungary. If biased information appears in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the public."
Global Context
For more than a decade now, Hungary has acted as a blueprint for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" around the world.
Previous US leaders and their supporters have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in journalistic liberty ratings.
In 2022, Orbán told a conference of US conservatives that the route to leadership demanded "controlling media outlets."
Historical Press Control
In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a regulation that imposed state authority over the chief communications authority and placed the public broadcaster in the control of supporters.
Proprietorship Information
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also chief executive of a government-friendly television station.
In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a well-performing publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian communications sector."
Ringier said in a communication that its decision to sell was "based solely on commercial planning elements and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary."
A government spokesperson was approached for response.
