Disbelief as Orbán Allies Purchase Hungary's Leading Newspaper
Media professionals at Hungary's leading publication have shown disbelief after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.
Context of Acquisition
The purchase, which occurs while Hungary prepares for pivotal elections next year, is generally viewed as another effort to expand government influence on the press.
A pro-Orbán media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose digital edition attracts approximately three million web users monthly.
Management Changes
Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another senior manager were departing in "common understanding" with the new owner.
They had been hired seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on engaging content" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on political affairs, economic matters, and culture," he commented on Facebook.
Employee Reactions
Employees of Blikk said they were stunned. "I almost had a medical emergency when I was informed of the news," stated one reporter, who wished to be unnamed. "In my view, this is ethically questionable."
Blikk has introduced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Media Landscape Concerns
Several media professionals who have opted to continue say they are in a difficult position as there are few other outlets available where they could apply.
Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread pro-government media landscape to strengthen his public perception and polls.
Election Timing
Whereas major media deals have typically occurred either after elections or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes under six months ahead of April's national vote.
Blikk was considered a prime target for Orbán and his party at a period when polls are suggesting that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in over a decade.
Opposition Reaction
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is promoting commitments to eradicate entrenched dishonesty, has been vocal about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he asserts it has caused to Hungary's democratic system.
He has questioned the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it signifies another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.
Newspaper's Importance
Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, famous for its gossip column and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also featured many pieces on alleged corruption.
"Blikk is by far the most widely circulated newspaper in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," stated a press expert. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If biased information features in such widely read and popular media, it will have an impact on the public."
Global Perspective
For over a decade now, Hungary has acted as a model for other "illiberal democracies" around the world.
Former American officials and their supporters have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in press freedom rankings.
In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US right-leaning politicians that the route to leadership necessitated "owning press organizations."
Past Media Regulation
In 2010, Orbán's government enacted a legislation that established government control over the primary press oversight body and positioned the state broadcaster in the control of allies.
Proprietorship Information
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned businessman who is also top executive of a government-friendly television station.
In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is gaining a profitable press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and popular products that play a defining role in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier stated in a release that its choice to divest was "based solely on commercial planning elements and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary."
A state communicator was approached for response.
