Disbelief as Orbán Allies Take Over Hungary's Top Newspaper
Reporters at Hungary's most-read publication have shown disbelief after a media group viewed as friendly to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.
Context of Acquisition
The buyout, which occurs while Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is generally viewed as another attempt to expand government influence on the media.
A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a portfolio of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose news site reaches about three million web users monthly.
Management Changes
Blikk's departing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another senior manager were leaving in "common understanding" with the acquiring company.
They had been hired seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more reader-centered, addressing political affairs, economics, and culture," he said on Facebook.
Staff Responses
Staff at Blikk admitted feeling taken aback. "I came close to a medical emergency when I was informed of the announcement," stated one journalist, who requested to remain anonymous. "For me, this is ethically questionable."
Blikk has named a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.
Press Environment Issues
Several media professionals who have chosen to remain admit being in a difficult position as there are not many other outlets available where they could seek employment.
During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling state-aligned news ecosystem to boost his image and poll numbers.
Political Context
While significant press deals have typically occurred either following voting or during a stable political time, the buyout of Ringier Hungary happens less than six months prior to April's national vote.
Blikk was considered a prime target for Orbán and his party at a time when polls are signalling that they have a genuine competitor for the first time in exceeding a decade.
Political Rival Response
The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is promoting commitments to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the damage he claims it has done to Hungary's democratic system.
He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, saying it constitutes another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's press organizations.
Newspaper's Importance
Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, known for its celebrity news and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also run numerous articles on suspected graft.
"Blikk is by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," said a media analyst. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If propaganda is published by such widely read and influential publications, it will have an impact on the citizenry."
International Perspective
For exceeding a decade now, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.
Former American officials and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in press freedom rankings.
In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US right-leaning politicians that the path to power demanded "controlling media outlets."
Historical Media Regulation
In 2010, Orbán's regime approved a regulation that asserted official oversight over the main media regulator and put the state broadcaster in the control of loyalists.
Ownership Information
Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government investor who is also chief executive of a government-friendly television station.
In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is acquiring a profitable press organization of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape."
Ringier said in a statement that its decision to sell was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our focus on our core digital activities in Hungary."
A government spokesperson was contacted for statement.
