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Media professionals at Hungary's leading publication have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate considered aligned with nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its former Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary approaches crucial elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to strengthen state control on the news outlets.

A pro-Orbán media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose news site reaches about three million online readers monthly.

Leadership Changes

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

They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing political affairs, economics, and cultural topics," he commented on social media.

Employee Reactions

Workers from Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I came close to a heart attack when I learned about the declaration," remarked one correspondent, who wished to be unnamed. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has named a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

Many journalists who have decided to stay say they are in a difficult position as there are limited other publications available where they could apply.

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

Political Timing

Although important publication deals have typically occurred either post-election or during a quiet political period, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary happens less than six months prior to April's general election.

Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his party at a moment when opinion research are suggesting that they have a genuine competitor for the first time in exceeding a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is running on promises to eliminate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the negative impact he claims it has done to Hungary's democracy.

He has condemned the Ringier Hungary transaction, stating it represents another attempt by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's press organizations.

Publication's Significance

Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, known for its gossip column and sensational captions, in the last several years it has also run many pieces on possible misconduct.

"Blikk is by far the most popular newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a media analyst. "The web version has become remarkably well-received in recent times, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such highly popular and influential publications, it will have an effect on the citizenry."

International Context

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

Ex-US administrators and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán spoke to a gathering of US conservatives that the path to power required "owning press organizations."

Historical Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's government approved a regulation that imposed state authority over the main media regulator and put the national media outlet in the control of allies.

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 second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the group is obtaining a successful press organization of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and successful brands that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier said in a communication that its determination to transfer was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our focus on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A state communicator was contacted for comment.