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Journalists at the country's most-read publication have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is generally viewed as another effort to strengthen government influence on the news outlets.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose digital edition attracts approximately three million web users monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's departing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another senior manager were departing in "mutual agreement" with the current proprietor.

They had been hired seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on compelling journalism" and to be "more reader-centered, addressing politics, economics, and cultural topics," he commented on social media.

Employee Reactions

Staff at Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I was informed of the news," stated one reporter, who requested to remain unnamed. "For me, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

Many journalists who have chosen to remain admit being in a challenging situation as there are not many other publications available where they could look for work.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread government-supporting news ecosystem to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings.

Political Timing

Although major media transactions have usually happened either after elections or during a quiet political period, the purchase of Ringier Hungary comes under six months ahead of April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was seen as a prime target for Orbán and his party at a moment when opinion research are suggesting that they have a genuine competitor for the premier instance in more than a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is running on promises to root out systemic graft, has been direct about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he says it has affected Hungary's democratic system.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, declaring it constitutes another move by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.

Publication's Importance

Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, known for its gossip column and sensational captions, in the last several years it has also featured numerous articles on alleged corruption.

"The publication represents by far the most popular daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," commented a communications specialist. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If biased information features in such widely read and influential publications, it will have an impact on the citizenry."

Global Context

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

Former American officials and their associates have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán told a gathering of US conservatives that the path to power demanded "owning press organizations."

Historical Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's government passed a legislation that asserted state authority over the chief communications authority and positioned the national media outlet in the control of supporters.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government entrepreneur who is also top executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a statement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a profitable publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and popular products that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier stated in a release that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A official representative was approached for statement.