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

Timing of Purchase

The acquisition, which occurs while Hungary gears up for crucial elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to increase state control on the press.

A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose digital edition attracts approximately three million web users monthly.

Management Changes

Blikk's outgoing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "mutual agreement" with the new owner.

They had been hired seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, reporting on politics, economic matters, and culture," he stated on Facebook.

Staff Reactions

Workers from Blikk admitted feeling shocked. "I almost had a cardiac episode when I was informed of the news," said one correspondent, who wished to be unnamed. "Personally, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has introduced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

Several media professionals who have decided to stay say they are in a difficult position as there are not many other outlets available where they could apply.

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

Election Context

Although important publication deals have usually happened either following voting or during a quiet political period, the purchase of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months ahead of April's general election.

Blikk was considered a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are suggesting that they have a genuine competitor for the initial occasion in exceeding a decade.

Opposition Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on commitments to eliminate systemic graft, has been direct about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he claims it has done to Hungary's democratic system.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it constitutes another attempt by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's press organizations.

Newspaper's Importance

While Blikk is a daily publication, known for its celebrity news and sensational captions, in the recent years it has also featured numerous articles on suspected graft.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," said a media analyst. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in recent years, becoming the fourth most read digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda features in such highly popular and popular media, it will have an effect on the citizenry."

International Perspective

For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" globally.

Former American officials and their allies have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in press freedom rankings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a conference of US right-leaning politicians that the way to governance demanded "controlling media outlets."

Historical Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's regime passed a legislation that asserted government control over the chief communications authority and placed the national media outlet in the hands of loyalists.

Proprietorship Information

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

In a statement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the company is acquiring a well-performing media company of similar size to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and successful brands that play a defining role in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier announced in a release that its determination to transfer was "motivated entirely by commercial planning elements and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A state communicator was sought for statement.