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Media professionals at Hungary's most-read newspaper have voiced surprise after a media group viewed as friendly to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The buyout, which coincides with Hungary prepares for pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to increase government influence on the media.

A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had purchased a collection of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular tabloid whose online platform attracts approximately three million digital visitors monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's outgoing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and a top executive were departing in "common understanding" with the current proprietor.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, reporting on political affairs, economics, and cultural topics," he stated on Facebook.

Staff Responses

Workers from Blikk said they were stunned. "I nearly experienced a medical emergency when I learned about the declaration," said one journalist, who requested to remain anonymous. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

Many journalists who have opted to continue acknowledge feeling in a challenging situation as there are not many other publications available where they could apply.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread government-supporting news ecosystem to enhance his reputation and polls.

Political Timing

Whereas major media transactions have usually happened either post-election or during a calm political phase, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes under six months ahead of April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a period when surveys are signalling that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in more than a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is campaigning on commitments to eliminate entrenched dishonesty, has been direct about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he claims it has caused to Hungary's democratic system.

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

Publication's Importance

While Blikk is a popular newspaper, known for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the last several years it has also published many pieces on suspected graft.

"Blikk is by far the most popular newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," said a press expert. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in recent years, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda appears in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the citizenry."

International Context

For over a decade now, Hungary has functioned as a example for other "semi-democratic systems" internationally.

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

In 2022, Orbán addressed a conference of US conservatives that the way to governance necessitated "owning press organizations."

Historical Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's government passed a regulation that established government control over the main media regulator and placed the public broadcaster in the hands of supporters.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is half-owned 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, commented: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the group is acquiring a successful publication group of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and successful brands that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier announced in a statement that its decision to sell was "based solely on business strategy factors and our emphasis on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A state communicator was approached for comment.