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Media professionals at the country's most popular publication have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is generally viewed as another move to strengthen state control on the media.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had acquired a portfolio of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose news site attracts approximately three million web users monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's departing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another key leader were leaving in "common understanding" with the acquiring company.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more public-oriented, addressing political affairs, economic matters, and cultural topics," he stated on Facebook.

Employee Responses

Workers from Blikk said they were stunned. "I came close to a cardiac episode when I was informed of the announcement," said one reporter, who wished to be anonymous. "For me, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Issues

Numerous reporters who have opted to continue say they are in a complex circumstance as there are limited other media organizations remaining where they could look for work.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread pro-government press environment to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings.

Election Timing

Although important publication deals have tended to take place either post-election or during a quiet political period, the purchase of Ringier Hungary comes less than six months prior to April's national vote.

Blikk was considered a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when surveys are indicating that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in exceeding a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on promises to eliminate systemic graft, has been vocal about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he claims it has done to Hungary's democracy.

He has condemned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it signifies another attempt by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Significance

While Blikk is a daily publication, renowned for its gossip column and sensational captions, in the last several years it has also featured many pieces on alleged corruption.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most popular daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," stated a press expert. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If biased information appears in such widely read and influential publications, it will have an impact on the citizenry."

Global Context

For more than a decade now, Hungary has acted as a model for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.

Previous US leaders and their associates have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in journalistic liberty ratings.

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

Past Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's government approved a legislation that imposed government control over the primary press oversight body and put the state broadcaster in the management of allies.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also top executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a announcement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the group is acquiring a well-performing media company of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and successful brands that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier announced in a communication that its decision to sell was "motivated entirely by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was sought for comment.