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Journalists at Hungary's most-read publication have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The purchase, which coincides with Hungary approaches crucial elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to increase government influence on the press.

A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a portfolio of Hungarian media assets, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose online platform draws around three million web users monthly.

Management Shake-up

Blikk's former chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another key leader were leaving in "shared decision" with the current proprietor.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing politics, economic matters, and culture," he said on social media.

Employee Responses

Workers from Blikk said they were taken aback. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I was informed of the news," remarked one reporter, who wished to be unnamed. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

Several media professionals who have decided to stay acknowledge feeling in a complex circumstance as there are few other outlets remaining where they could apply.

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

Political Context

While important publication deals have usually happened either following voting or during a calm political phase, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months prior to April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his party at a moment when opinion research are indicating that they have a real challenger for the first time in more than a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is promoting commitments to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he says it has caused to Hungary's democracy.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, stating it represents another attempt by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's media outlets.

Newspaper's Importance

While Blikk is a tabloid, famous for its celebrity news and sensational captions, in the past few years it has also published many pieces on possible misconduct.

"Blikk is by far the most widely circulated newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," stated a media analyst. "Its online site has become unexpectedly successful in recent times, becoming the fourth most visited digital platform in Hungary. If biased information is published by such widely read and influential publications, it will have an effect on the citizenry."

Global Context

For exceeding a ten-year period, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.

Previous US leaders and their supporters have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes.

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

Past Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's administration enacted a legislation that imposed state authority over the main media regulator and positioned the national media outlet in the control of supporters.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting investor who is also top executive of a pro-government private channel.

In a statement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the company is acquiring a well-performing publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and successful brands that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier stated in a communication that its determination to transfer was "based solely on commercial planning elements and our emphasis on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A official representative was approached for response.