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Reporters at Hungary's leading newspaper have voiced surprise after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The buyout, which occurs while Hungary prepares for important elections next year, is largely considered another move to increase government influence on the media.

A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a collection of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose digital edition reaches about three million web users monthly.

Management Changes

Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another key leader were exiting in "mutual agreement" with the acquiring company.

They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on political affairs, economic matters, and cultural topics," he commented on social media.

Employee Reactions

Staff at Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I learned about the announcement," stated one reporter, who wished to be unnamed. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has introduced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

Several media professionals who have chosen to remain admit being in a complex circumstance as there are limited other media organizations remaining where they could look for work.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive pro-government press environment to boost his image and polls.

Election Context

While significant press acquisitions have typically occurred either following voting or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary happens under six months before April's national vote.

Blikk was seen as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a period when polls are indicating that they have a real challenger for the premier instance in more than a decade.

Opposition Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is campaigning on commitments to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he says it has affected Hungary's political freedom.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it represents another move by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.

Publication's Significance

While Blikk is a tabloid, renowned for its entertainment section and sensational captions, in the last several years it has also run numerous articles on suspected graft.

"The publication represents by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a press expert. "Their digital platform has become remarkably well-received in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If partisan content is published by such highly popular and influential publications, it will have an influence on the general population."

International Context

For over a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a blueprint for other "semi-democratic systems" internationally.

Former American officials 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 traditionalist groups that the path to power necessitated "owning press organizations."

Past Media Control

In 2010, Orbán's government passed a law that imposed official oversight over the primary press oversight body and positioned the national media outlet in the hands of allies.

Proprietorship Information

Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also chief executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a announcement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a successful publication group of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier announced in a release that its decision to sell was "motivated entirely by business strategy factors and our focus on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A state communicator was contacted for response.