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Journalists at the country's most popular newspaper have expressed shock after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its former Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary prepares for pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to increase government influence on the press.

A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose online platform draws around three million online readers monthly.

Management Changes

Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and a top executive were leaving in "shared decision" with the new owner.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more public-oriented, addressing politics, economic matters, and culture," he stated on social media.

Employee Responses

Workers from Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I heard the declaration," said one journalist, who asked to stay unnamed. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has introduced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Issues

Many journalists who have decided to stay say they are in a challenging situation as there are few other media organizations available where they could seek employment.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread state-aligned media landscape to boost his image and poll numbers.

Election Timing

Whereas major media acquisitions have typically occurred either following voting or during a stable political time, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs fewer than six months ahead of April's national vote.

Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when polls are signalling that they have a real challenger for the premier instance in exceeding a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is campaigning on promises to eradicate systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the negative impact he says it has caused to Hungary's democratic system.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it represents another attempt by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Importance

Although Blikk is a tabloid, famous for its entertainment section and dramatic titles, in the last several years it has also published multiple stories on possible misconduct.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," said a media analyst. "Their digital platform has become unexpectedly successful in the past few years, becoming the fourth most visited digital platform in Hungary. If biased information features in such highly popular and influential publications, it will have an impact on the public."

Global Perspective

For more than a decade, Hungary has acted as a model for other "illiberal democracies" globally.

Former American officials and their associates have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in press freedom rankings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US right-leaning politicians that the path to power necessitated "controlling media outlets."

Historical Media Control

In 2010, Orbán's administration enacted a legislation that asserted state authority over the main media regulator and positioned the state broadcaster in the management of loyalists.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting entrepreneur who is also CEO of a government-friendly television station.

In a statement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is acquiring a well-performing publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and successful brands that have significant influence in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier announced in a statement that its decision to sell was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was contacted for response.