Shock as Orbán Allies Take Over the Nation's Most-Read Newspaper
Media professionals at the country's most-read publication have expressed shock after a media group viewed as friendly to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.
Timing of Acquisition
The acquisition, which coincides with Hungary prepares for important elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to strengthen government influence on the media.
A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose digital edition attracts approximately three million online readers monthly.
Management Shake-up
Blikk's former chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another key leader were departing in "common understanding" with the current proprietor.
They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing politics, economics, and cultural topics," he stated on Facebook.
Staff Responses
Employees of Blikk admitted feeling taken aback. "I came close to a cardiac episode when I was informed of the news," said one journalist, who asked to stay unnamed. "For me, this is ethically questionable."
Blikk has named a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Media Landscape Concerns
Several media professionals who have chosen to remain say they are in a complex circumstance as there are not many other publications remaining where they could apply.
Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread government-supporting media landscape to boost his image and poll numbers.
Political Context
While significant press transactions have typically occurred either after elections or during a quiet political period, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary occurs under six months prior to April's national vote.
Blikk was seen as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are signalling that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in over a decade.
Opposition Reaction
The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is promoting commitments to root out deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he claims it has affected Hungary's democratic system.
He has condemned the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it represents another attempt by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.
Publication's Importance
Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, famous for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also run many pieces on alleged corruption.
"The publication represents by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a communications specialist. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in recent years, becoming the fourth most popular website in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the public."
International Context
For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has functioned as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" around the world.
Former American officials and their allies have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in journalistic liberty ratings.
In 2022, Orbán spoke to a meeting of US conservatives that the path to power required "owning press organizations."
Past Press Control
In 2010, Orbán's government approved a legislation that imposed state authority over the main media regulator and put the national media outlet in the control of allies.
Proprietorship Details
Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also chief executive of a government-friendly television station.
In a statement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a successful press organization of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector."
Ringier announced in a statement that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our focus on our core digital activities in Hungary."
A state communicator was contacted for statement.
