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Journalists at Hungary's most popular publication have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The purchase, which occurs while Hungary approaches important elections next year, is widely seen as another move to increase state control on the news outlets.

A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose online platform attracts approximately three million online readers monthly.

Management Changes

Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another key leader were exiting in "mutual agreement" with the new owner.

They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing politics, economic matters, and culture," he said on Facebook.

Employee Reactions

Employees of Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I almost had a medical emergency when I was informed of the announcement," said one correspondent, who asked to stay unidentified. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has named a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

Several media professionals who have opted to continue admit being in a challenging situation as there are few other publications available where they could apply.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government press environment to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings.

Election Timing

While important publication transactions have tended to take place either following voting or during a stable political time, the purchase of Ringier Hungary comes under six months prior to April's national vote.

Blikk was considered a prime target for Orbán and his political organization at a time when polls are suggesting that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in more than a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on commitments to root out systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he says it has done to Hungary's political freedom.

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

Publication's Significance

Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, known for its entertainment section and sensational captions, in the past few years it has also featured numerous articles on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," said a press expert. "Their digital platform has become unexpectedly successful in recent times, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If partisan content is published by such widely read and influential publications, it will have an impact on the public."

Global Context

For over a decade, Hungary has served as a example for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" internationally.

Ex-US administrators and their supporters have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a conference of US right-leaning politicians that the way to governance required "having their own media."

Past Media Control

In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a legislation that asserted official oversight over the primary press oversight body and put the national media outlet in the control of allies.

Ownership Details

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

In a declaration, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is gaining a profitable press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and successful brands that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier announced in a release that its determination to transfer was "motivated entirely by business strategy factors and our focus on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A official representative was sought for comment.