Surprise as Government Supporters Acquire Hungary's Most-Read Daily Publication
Journalists at Hungary's leading publication have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.
Context of Purchase
The acquisition, which comes as Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is largely considered another effort to increase government influence on the media.
A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose online platform draws around three million web users monthly.
Leadership Changes
Blikk's former chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another senior manager were exiting in "shared decision" with the acquiring company.
They had been hired seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, reporting on political affairs, economics, and culture," he stated on social media.
Employee Responses
Employees of Blikk said they were taken aback. "I almost had a heart attack when I learned about the declaration," stated one correspondent, who requested to remain anonymous. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable."
Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.
Media Landscape Issues
Several media professionals who have decided to stay acknowledge feeling in a challenging situation as there are limited other outlets available where they could look for work.
During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread state-aligned press environment to boost his image and polls.
Political Timing
While major media deals have typically occurred either post-election or during a stable political time, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months prior to April's national vote.
Blikk was seen as a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a period when polls are indicating that they have a serious opponent for the first time in over a decade.
Political Rival Response
The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is promoting promises to root out entrenched dishonesty, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he claims it has caused to Hungary's democratic system.
He has condemned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, declaring it signifies another effort by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.
Publication's Significance
Although Blikk is a daily publication, known for its entertainment section and over-the-top headlines, in the last several years it has also featured multiple stories on suspected graft.
"Blikk is by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a market leader," commented a press expert. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular website in Hungary. If biased information features in such extensively consumed and influential publications, it will have an influence on the citizenry."
International Perspective
For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "illiberal democracies" around the world.
Ex-US administrators and their associates have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes.
In 2022, Orbán spoke to a gathering of US right-leaning politicians that the way to governance demanded "owning press organizations."
Past Media Regulation
In 2010, Orbán's regime approved a regulation that established state authority over the main media regulator and placed the public broadcaster in the management of supporters.
Ownership Information
Indamedia is half-owned 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: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the organization is acquiring a profitable press organization of comparable scale to Indamedia, with strong market positions and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian press environment."
Ringier said in a statement that its decision to sell was "motivated entirely by business strategy factors and our emphasis on our core digital activities in Hungary."
A official representative was sought for comment.
