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Reporters at the country's leading publication have voiced surprise after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The buyout, which coincides with Hungary approaches important elections next year, is largely considered another move to strengthen government influence on the press.

A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had purchased a collection of Hungarian media assets, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose digital edition draws around three million digital visitors monthly.

Management Shake-up

Blikk's former top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated 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 reader-centered, addressing politics, economic matters, and culture," he commented on social media.

Staff Reactions

Workers from Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I almost had a medical emergency when I learned about the news," stated one reporter, who requested to remain unnamed. "For me, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has named a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

Several media professionals who have decided to stay say they are in a challenging situation as there are limited other publications left to which they could look for work.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling government-supporting news ecosystem to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings.

Political Timing

While major media transactions have tended to take place either post-election or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes under six months ahead of April's general election.

Blikk was seen as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are indicating that they have a genuine competitor for the first time in more than a decade.

Opposition Response

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is running on commitments to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he claims it has done to Hungary's democracy.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it constitutes another effort by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's press organizations.

Newspaper's Significance

While Blikk is a tabloid, famous for its entertainment section and sensational captions, in the past few years it has also featured numerous articles on possible misconduct.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most popular newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a media analyst. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If partisan content features in such highly popular and popular media, it will have an influence on the citizenry."

International Perspective

For over a decade now, Hungary has acted as a example for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.

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

In 2022, Orbán told a conference of US right-leaning politicians that the route to leadership required "controlling media outlets."

Historical Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's administration passed a legislation that imposed state authority over the chief communications authority and placed the public broadcaster in the hands of allies.

Proprietorship Details

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government entrepreneur who is also top executive of a pro-government private channel.

In a announcement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the group is acquiring a successful media company of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier said in a communication that its determination to transfer was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A state communicator was approached for comment.