Shock as Government Supporters Acquire the Nation's Leading Newspaper
Reporters at the country's leading publication have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.
Context of Acquisition
The purchase, which coincides with Hungary prepares for important elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to strengthen government influence on the news outlets.
A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had purchased a collection of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose online platform reaches about three million digital visitors monthly.
Management Shake-up
Blikk's former top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "mutual agreement" with the new owner.
They had been hired seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on compelling journalism" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on politics, economic matters, and cultural topics," he stated on social media.
Staff Responses
Staff at Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I almost had a medical emergency when I heard the declaration," remarked one correspondent, who requested to remain anonymous. "For me, this is professionally concerning."
Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Media Landscape Issues
Many journalists who have opted to continue say they are in a difficult position as there are limited other publications available where they could seek employment.
Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government press environment to boost his image and poll numbers.
Political Timing
Whereas important publication acquisitions have tended to take place either following voting or during a calm political phase, the purchase of Ringier Hungary happens under six months ahead of April's national vote.
Blikk was viewed as a prime target for Orbán and his party at a time when polls are indicating that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in more than a decade.
Opposition Response
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on promises to root out entrenched dishonesty, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he asserts it has done to Hungary's democratic system.
He has condemned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it signifies another attempt by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.
Publication's Significance
Although Blikk is a daily publication, known for its gossip column and sensational captions, in the past few years it has also featured many pieces on alleged corruption.
"Blikk is by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," said a communications specialist. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If biased information is published by such extensively consumed and influential publications, it will have an influence on the public."
Global Context
For more than a decade now, Hungary has served as a model for other "semi-democratic systems" globally.
Former American officials and their associates have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in media freedom indexes.
In 2022, Orbán spoke to a conference of US right-leaning politicians that the way to governance necessitated "owning press organizations."
Past Media Control
In 2010, Orbán's administration passed a legislation that imposed official oversight over the chief communications authority and put the national media outlet in the control of supporters.
Ownership Information
Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also chief executive of a pro-government private channel.
In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a well-performing media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier announced in a statement that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary."
A state communicator was sought for response.