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Reporters at Hungary's most-read publication have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its former Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary gears up for pivotal elections next year, is generally viewed as another attempt to expand government influence on the press.

A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a collection of Hungarian media assets, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose news site attracts approximately three million web users monthly.

Leadership Shake-up

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

They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, reporting on politics, economic matters, and cultural topics," he commented on Facebook.

Staff Reactions

Staff at Blikk admitted feeling shocked. "I came close to a heart attack when I heard the news," said one reporter, who wished to be anonymous. "In my view, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has announced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

Several media professionals who have chosen to remain acknowledge feeling in a difficult position as there are limited other outlets available where they could seek employment.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling state-aligned media landscape to boost his image and poll numbers.

Election Context

Although important publication deals have usually happened either post-election or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary happens less than six months before April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when polls are suggesting that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in over a decade.

Political Rival Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is running on pledges to eliminate systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he asserts it has done to Hungary's political freedom.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary transaction, stating it signifies another move by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's press organizations.

Newspaper's Significance

While Blikk is a tabloid, famous for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the recent years it has also published many pieces on alleged corruption.

"The publication represents by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a market leader," said a press expert. "Their digital platform has become unexpectedly successful in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If partisan content features in such extensively consumed and popular media, it will have an influence on the citizenry."

Global Perspective

For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a model for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" internationally.

Former American officials and their supporters have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a meeting of US right-leaning politicians that the path to power required "having their own media."

Historical Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's government enacted a legislation that established official oversight over the primary press oversight body and positioned the public broadcaster in the hands of allies.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned investor who is also CEO of a government-friendly television station.

In a announcement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is acquiring a profitable press organization of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier stated in a communication that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our focus on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was sought for comment.