Shock as Government Supporters Acquire Hungary's Most-Read Newspaper
Media professionals at the country's most-read publication have shown disbelief after a media group considered aligned with nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.
Context of Purchase
The acquisition, which coincides with Hungary prepares for pivotal elections next year, is generally viewed as another move to expand government influence on the press.
A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had bought a group of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose online platform reaches about three million online readers monthly.
Leadership Shake-up
Blikk's departing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and a top executive were departing in "shared decision" with the acquiring company.
They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more reader-centered, covering politics, economic matters, and culture," he stated on Facebook.
Staff Responses
Employees of Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I came close to a heart attack when I heard the announcement," remarked one correspondent, who requested to remain unnamed. "For me, this is ethically questionable."
Blikk has introduced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Issues
Several media professionals who have chosen to remain acknowledge feeling in a difficult position as there are few other publications available where they could look for work.
During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive pro-government news ecosystem to boost his image and polls.
Election Timing
Although major media acquisitions have typically occurred either following voting or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months ahead of April's general election.
Blikk was seen as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a time when surveys are signalling that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in over a decade.
Opposition Reaction
The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is running on pledges to root out deep-seated corruption, has been direct about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he says it has done to Hungary's political freedom.
He has condemned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, declaring it signifies another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's news publications.
Newspaper's Significance
Although Blikk is a tabloid, known for its gossip column and dramatic titles, in the last several years it has also published multiple stories on alleged corruption.
"Blikk is by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a media analyst. "Its online site has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If biased information appears in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an impact on the public."
International Context
For over a decade now, Hungary has functioned as a blueprint for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.
Ex-US administrators and their supporters have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes.
In 2022, Orbán addressed a meeting of US traditionalist groups that the way to governance demanded "controlling media outlets."
Historical Press Control
In 2010, Orbán's regime approved a law that imposed state authority over the chief communications authority and placed the public broadcaster in the control of supporters.
Proprietorship Details
Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also top executive of a government-friendly television station.
In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a profitable publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and popular products that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier announced in a communication that its decision to sell was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our core digital activities in Hungary."
A government spokesperson was sought for comment.
