Surprise as Government Supporters Take Over the Nation's Most-Read Newspaper
Media professionals at Hungary's most popular newspaper have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.
Timing of Purchase
The buyout, which coincides with Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is generally viewed as another attempt to increase state control on the news outlets.
A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had purchased a collection of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular tabloid whose online platform draws around three million online readers monthly.
Management Shake-up
Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another key leader were exiting in "shared decision" with the current proprietor.
They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more reader-centered, addressing politics, economics, and cultural topics," he stated on social media.
Staff Responses
Staff at Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I heard the news," stated one journalist, who wished to be anonymous. "In my view, this is ethically questionable."
Blikk has announced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Issues
Several media professionals who have chosen to remain say they are in a difficult position as there are not many other publications left to which they could look for work.
Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive government-supporting press environment to boost his image and poll numbers.
Election Context
Although important publication acquisitions have tended to take place either post-election or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months before April's parliamentary election.
Blikk was seen as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when surveys are signalling that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in over a decade.
Opposition Response
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is promoting promises to root out deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he says it has caused to Hungary's political freedom.
He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, stating it constitutes another effort by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's media outlets.
Publication's Significance
Although Blikk is a tabloid, known for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the last several years it has also published multiple stories on alleged corruption.
"This newspaper stands as by far the most widely circulated daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," commented a communications specialist. "Their digital platform has become unexpectedly successful in the past few years, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If biased information appears in such highly popular and popular media, it will have an effect on the citizenry."
Global Perspective
For over a decade, Hungary has served as a model for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" internationally.
Former American officials and their allies have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in press freedom rankings.
In 2022, Orbán addressed a meeting of US traditionalist groups that the path to power necessitated "owning press organizations."
Historical Media Regulation
In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a legislation that asserted state authority over the primary press oversight body and placed the state broadcaster in the control of supporters.
Proprietorship Information
Indamedia is 50% owned by MiklĂł Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel.
In a declaration, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the company is gaining a profitable media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and popular products that play a defining role in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier said in a release that its decision to sell was "based solely on business strategy factors and our focus on our primary online operations in Hungary."
A official representative was sought for statement.
