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Journalists at Hungary's most-read newspaper have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The acquisition, which coincides with Hungary approaches important elections next year, is generally viewed as another move to increase state control on the press.

A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a collection of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose news site draws around three million web users monthly.

Management Changes

Blikk's departing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another key leader were departing in "shared decision" with the current proprietor.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on political affairs, economic matters, and culture," he said on social media.

Staff Reactions

Employees of Blikk expressed being stunned. "I came close to a heart attack when I heard the announcement," remarked one reporter, who wished to be unnamed. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Several media professionals who have opted to continue say they are in a complex circumstance as there are few other media organizations remaining where they could apply.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling state-aligned media landscape to enhance his reputation and polls.

Political Timing

Although significant press transactions have typically occurred either following voting or during a stable political time, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary occurs fewer than six months before April's national vote.

Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his party at a period when opinion research are indicating that they have a real challenger for the premier instance in over a decade.

Opposition Response

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is promoting pledges to eliminate entrenched dishonesty, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he asserts it has done to Hungary's democracy.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, saying it represents another attempt by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Significance

Although Blikk is a daily publication, famous for its gossip column and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also run multiple stories on alleged corruption.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most popular daily publication in Hungary, a market leader," stated a media analyst. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in the past few years, becoming the fourth most read online site in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the general population."

International Context

For exceeding a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a example for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" around the world.

Former American officials and their allies have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán spoke to a gathering of US right-leaning politicians that the route to leadership demanded "having their own media."

Historical Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's government approved a law that asserted official oversight over the chief communications authority and positioned the state broadcaster in the control of supporters.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned entrepreneur who is also CEO of a state-aligned TV network.

In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a successful media company of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and popular products that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier said in a release that its determination to transfer was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our concentration on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A state communicator was sought for response.