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Reporters at the country's most popular publication have expressed shock after a media group viewed as friendly to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The buyout, which comes as Hungary approaches important elections next year, is generally viewed as another effort to increase government influence on the press.

A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had bought a collection of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose news site draws around three million web users monthly.

Management Shake-up

Blikk's outgoing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and a top executive were leaving in "shared decision" with the current proprietor.

They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on compelling journalism" and to be "more audience-focused, covering politics, economics, and cultural topics," he commented on Facebook.

Employee Responses

Staff at Blikk admitted feeling shocked. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I was informed of the declaration," said one reporter, who wished to be unnamed. "For me, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Numerous reporters who have opted to continue acknowledge feeling in a difficult position as there are few other publications remaining where they could look for work.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government media landscape to strengthen his public perception and poll numbers.

Political Timing

Whereas significant press deals have usually happened either after elections or during a stable political time, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary comes under six months prior to April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a time when opinion research are indicating that they have a serious opponent for the first time in over a decade.

Opposition Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on promises to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the negative impact he claims it has affected Hungary's political freedom.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, saying it constitutes another attempt by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Importance

Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, renowned for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the recent years it has also featured many pieces on suspected graft.

"Blikk is by far the most widely circulated daily newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a communications specialist. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If partisan content is published by such extensively consumed and popular media, it will have an effect on the citizenry."

Global Context

For over a decade now, Hungary has functioned as a example for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.

Previous US leaders and their associates have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán told a gathering of US right-leaning politicians that the path to power required "having their own media."

Historical Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a law that asserted government control over the chief communications authority and put the public broadcaster in the hands of loyalists.

Proprietorship Details

Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also chief executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a profitable press organization of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier said in a release that its determination to transfer was "motivated entirely by strategic economic considerations and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was contacted for statement.