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Media professionals at the country's most-read publication have voiced surprise after a media group considered aligned with nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is generally viewed as another attempt to strengthen government influence on the press.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose news site draws around three million digital visitors monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's former top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another key leader were leaving in "shared decision" with the acquiring company.

They were appointed seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on compelling journalism" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing politics, economic matters, and culture," he commented on social media.

Employee Reactions

Employees of Blikk said they were taken aback. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I was informed of the announcement," remarked one reporter, who wished to be unnamed. "Personally, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain say they are in a complex circumstance as there are limited other outlets available where they could seek employment.

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

Election Context

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

Blikk was seen as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a period when opinion research are indicating that they have a real challenger for the first time in more than a decade.

Political Rival Response

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is promoting commitments to eradicate systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he says it has affected Hungary's political freedom.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary transaction, saying it represents another effort by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's news publications.

Publication's Importance

While Blikk is a popular newspaper, renowned for its celebrity news and sensational captions, in the past few years it has also published multiple stories on alleged corruption.

"The publication represents by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," commented a press expert. "Their digital platform has become unexpectedly successful in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such widely read and popular media, it will have an influence on the public."

Global Perspective

For more than a decade now, Hungary has acted as a example for other "semi-democratic systems" internationally.

Former American officials and their associates have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán told a conference of US conservatives that the path to power required "controlling media outlets."

Historical Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's administration passed a law that established government control over the primary press oversight body and put the public broadcaster in the management of allies.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting entrepreneur who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel.

In a announcement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is gaining a profitable press organization of comparable scale to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier stated in a communication that its determination to transfer was "motivated entirely by business strategy factors and our emphasis on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was sought for comment.