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Journalists at the country's most-read publication have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The purchase, which coincides with Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is largely considered another effort to expand government influence on the media.

A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a group of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose online platform reaches about three million web users monthly.

Management Shake-up

Blikk's departing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another senior manager were departing in "mutual agreement" with the current proprietor.

They had been hired seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on engaging content" and to be "more reader-centered, addressing politics, economics, and culture," he said on social media.

Staff Responses

Employees of Blikk said they were shocked. "I came close to a medical emergency when I learned about the news," said one correspondent, who requested to remain anonymous. "For me, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Issues

Many journalists who have chosen to remain acknowledge feeling in a complex circumstance as there are not many other publications remaining where they could apply.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government news ecosystem to enhance his reputation and poll numbers.

Election Timing

Whereas significant press transactions have typically occurred either following voting or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary happens less than six months before April's general election.

Blikk was considered a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when surveys are signalling that they have a serious opponent for the premier instance in exceeding a decade.

Opposition Response

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on commitments to eliminate systemic graft, has been direct about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he asserts it has done to Hungary's political freedom.

He has condemned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it represents another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.

Newspaper's Importance

While Blikk is a tabloid, known for its gossip column and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also run many pieces on suspected graft.

"The publication represents by far the most popular newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," commented a press expert. "Their digital platform has become remarkably well-received in recent times, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such highly popular and influential publications, it will have an influence on the general population."

Global Context

For more than a decade, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" globally.

Previous US leaders and their allies have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US conservatives that the way to governance demanded "having their own media."

Past Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's government passed a regulation that asserted state authority over the primary press oversight body and put the national media outlet in the control of loyalists.

Proprietorship Details

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting investor who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel.

In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the group is acquiring a successful media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and successful brands that play a defining role in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier said in a communication that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by business strategy factors and our focus on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A official representative was approached for comment.