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Media professionals at Hungary's most-read newspaper have shown disbelief after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The purchase, which occurs while Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is generally viewed as another attempt to expand state control on the media.

A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a group of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose online platform attracts approximately three million digital visitors monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's departing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another senior manager were exiting in "shared decision" with the new owner.

They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more reader-centered, covering political affairs, economic matters, and cultural topics," he said on Facebook.

Employee Reactions

Employees of Blikk said they were stunned. "I came close to a heart attack when I heard the news," remarked one reporter, who requested to remain anonymous. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has named a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain admit being in a complex circumstance as there are limited other publications remaining where they could apply.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive state-aligned press environment to strengthen his public perception and polls.

Political Context

Whereas important publication acquisitions have usually happened either following voting or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes less than six months before April's general election.

Blikk was seen as a prime target for Orbán and his political organization at a time when surveys are indicating that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in exceeding a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is campaigning on pledges to root out deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he claims it has caused to Hungary's democracy.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it represents another attempt by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's press organizations.

Publication's Significance

Although Blikk is a tabloid, renowned for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also featured many pieces on suspected graft.

"Blikk is by far the most widely circulated daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," 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 features in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an impact on the public."

Global Context

For over a decade now, Hungary has acted as a model for other "illiberal democracies" around the world.

Former American officials and their associates have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán spoke to a conference of US traditionalist groups that the path to power demanded "having their own media."

Past Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's government passed a legislation that imposed official oversight over the primary press oversight body and placed the state broadcaster in the control of supporters.

Proprietorship Details

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned investor who is also top executive of a pro-government private channel.

In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the company is acquiring a profitable publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier announced in a statement that its decision to sell was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A state communicator was approached for response.