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Journalists at Hungary's leading newspaper have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The purchase, which occurs while Hungary approaches pivotal elections next year, is largely considered another effort to strengthen state control on the news outlets.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a group of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose digital edition draws around three million digital visitors monthly.

Management Shake-up

Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and a top executive were leaving in "shared decision" with the current proprietor.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on interesting stories" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on politics, economic matters, and culture," he stated on Facebook.

Employee Reactions

Workers from Blikk said they were shocked. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I learned about the announcement," said one journalist, who requested to remain unidentified. "In my view, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has introduced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

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

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling state-aligned press environment to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings.

Election Timing

Whereas important publication deals have typically occurred either after elections or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months before April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a time when surveys are signalling that they have a real challenger for the premier instance in more than a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is running on commitments to eliminate entrenched dishonesty, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the negative impact he asserts it has caused to Hungary's democracy.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary transaction, stating it constitutes another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.

Newspaper's Importance

Although Blikk is a tabloid, known for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also featured many pieces on alleged corruption.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a communications specialist. "Its online site has become surprisingly popular in recent years, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If biased information appears in such widely read and popular media, it will have an effect on the general population."

Global Perspective

For over a ten-year period, Hungary has served as a example for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" globally.

Previous US leaders and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US conservatives that the path to power demanded "owning press organizations."

Past Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's administration enacted a legislation that imposed state authority over the primary press oversight body and put the public broadcaster in the hands of supporters.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government investor who is also chief executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a statement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the company is gaining a successful media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and successful brands that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier announced in a communication that its choice to divest was "motivated entirely by strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A state communicator was contacted for comment.