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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 party, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary prepares for pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another move to increase government influence on the news outlets.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had purchased a portfolio of Hungarian media assets, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose news site draws around three million web users monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another senior manager were leaving in "common understanding" with the current proprietor.

They were appointed seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more reader-centered, covering political affairs, economic matters, and culture," he stated on Facebook.

Staff Reactions

Workers from Blikk expressed being stunned. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I heard the announcement," said one journalist, who requested to remain anonymous. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has named a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

Several media professionals who have chosen to remain admit being in a complex circumstance as there are few other publications remaining where they could apply.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread state-aligned news ecosystem to strengthen his public perception and polls.

Election Timing

Although important publication deals have typically occurred either after elections or during a quiet political period, the purchase of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months ahead of April's general election.

Blikk was considered a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are indicating that they have a real challenger for the premier instance in over a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on pledges to eliminate deep-seated corruption, has been direct about Orbán's "media machine" and the damage he claims it has caused to Hungary's democratic system.

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

Newspaper's Importance

While Blikk is a tabloid, renowned for its celebrity news and sensational captions, in the recent years it has also featured multiple stories on alleged corruption.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most widely circulated newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," stated a communications specialist. "Its online site has become remarkably well-received in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular online site in Hungary. If biased information features in such widely read and influential publications, it will have an effect on the general population."

International Perspective

For more than a decade, Hungary has acted as a example for other "illiberal democracies" globally.

Ex-US administrators and their allies have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US right-leaning politicians that the way to governance necessitated "owning press organizations."

Past Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's government passed a regulation that asserted official oversight over the primary press oversight body and placed the national media outlet in the management of loyalists.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting businessman who is also top executive of a state-aligned TV network.

In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the organization is gaining a successful press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that have significant influence in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier stated in a statement that its decision to sell was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our focus on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was sought for response.