Disbelief as Government Supporters Take Over the Nation's Most-Read Newspaper
Reporters at Hungary's leading newspaper have expressed shock after a media group seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.
Context of Acquisition
The acquisition, which coincides with Hungary gears up for pivotal elections next year, is largely considered another move to expand government influence on the news outlets.
A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had bought a portfolio of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose digital edition attracts approximately three million online readers monthly.
Leadership Shake-up
Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another key leader were leaving in "common understanding" with the current proprietor.
Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, reporting on politics, economics, and cultural topics," he stated on Facebook.
Staff Responses
Employees of Blikk said they were taken aback. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I was informed of the declaration," stated one reporter, who wished to be anonymous. "For me, this is professionally concerning."
Blikk has introduced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Concerns
Numerous reporters who have opted to continue say they are in a challenging situation as there are few other outlets remaining where they could seek employment.
Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government press environment to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings.
Election Context
While significant press deals have usually happened either post-election or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months prior to April's parliamentary election.
Blikk was viewed as a prime target for Orbán and his party at a moment when polls are suggesting that they have a genuine competitor for the premier instance in over a decade.
Opposition Response
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is running on commitments to eliminate deep-seated corruption, has been direct about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he claims it has affected Hungary's democratic system.
He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, saying it represents another effort by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's news publications.
Newspaper's Importance
Though Blikk is a tabloid, renowned for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the last several years it has also published many pieces on alleged corruption.
"This newspaper stands as by far the most read newspaper in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," commented a communications specialist. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If biased information features in such widely read and influential publications, it will have an effect on the citizenry."
International Context
For over a decade now, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" globally.
Former American officials and their associates have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in press freedom rankings.
In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US conservatives that the way to governance demanded "owning press organizations."
Historical Press Control
In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a legislation that asserted state authority over the main media regulator and positioned the state broadcaster in the management of loyalists.
Proprietorship Details
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government investor who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel.
In a declaration, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the company is gaining a well-performing press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and popular products that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian communications sector."
Ringier stated in a release that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our main internet businesses in Hungary."
A government spokesperson was approached for comment.
