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Reporters at Hungary's most-read publication have voiced surprise after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The buyout, which comes as Hungary prepares for pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to increase state control on the media.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had bought a collection of Hungarian media assets, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a popular tabloid whose news site reaches about three million online readers monthly.

Leadership Shake-up

Blikk's former editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another senior manager were leaving in "shared decision" with the new owner.

They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on interesting stories" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on political affairs, economics, and culture," he stated on social media.

Employee Reactions

Employees of Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I was informed of the news," stated one reporter, who asked to stay anonymous. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has introduced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

Many journalists who have chosen to remain admit being in a difficult position as there are limited other outlets left to which they could look for work.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government news ecosystem to boost his image and poll numbers.

Election Context

Although significant press transactions have typically occurred either post-election or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary happens under six months before April's general election.

Blikk was considered a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a time when surveys are signalling that they have a real challenger for the premier instance in over a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is campaigning on pledges to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he claims it has affected Hungary's democratic system.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it signifies another move by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's media outlets.

Newspaper's Importance

Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, known for its gossip column and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also featured numerous articles on possible misconduct.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most widely circulated newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a press expert. "Their digital platform has become remarkably well-received in recent years, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If partisan content features in such highly popular and influential publications, it will have an impact on the general population."

International Perspective

For more than a decade now, Hungary has functioned as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.

Previous US leaders and their associates have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in press freedom rankings.

In 2022, Orbán told a conference of US traditionalist groups that the way to governance demanded "having their own media."

Past Media Control

In 2010, Orbán's government approved a legislation that established government control over the main media regulator and put the public broadcaster in the management of supporters.

Proprietorship Details

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting entrepreneur who is also chief executive of a state-aligned TV network.

In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a successful publication group of comparable scale to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and popular products that play a defining role in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier stated in a release that its determination to transfer was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was contacted for comment.