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Reporters at the country's most popular publication have expressed shock after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its former Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The purchase, which coincides with Hungary prepares for important elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to expand government influence on the press.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a collection of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a popular tabloid whose digital edition draws around three million online readers monthly.

Management Shake-up

Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another key leader were exiting in "mutual agreement" with the current proprietor.

They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on engaging content" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on political affairs, economics, and culture," he stated on social media.

Staff Responses

Employees of Blikk admitted feeling stunned. "I almost had a heart attack when I learned about the announcement," remarked one reporter, who wished to be unnamed. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable."

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

Media Landscape Concerns

Many journalists who have decided to stay say they are in a difficult position as there are limited other publications available where they could apply.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive state-aligned media landscape to strengthen his public perception and poll numbers.

Election Context

Whereas significant press acquisitions have tended to take place either following voting or during a quiet political period, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary occurs fewer than six months prior to April's national vote.

Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when polls are suggesting that they have a serious opponent for the initial occasion in exceeding a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is running on commitments to eliminate systemic graft, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he claims it has caused to Hungary's democratic system.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it constitutes another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Significance

While Blikk is a popular newspaper, famous for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also published numerous articles on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," said a press expert. "Their digital platform has become remarkably well-received in recent years, becoming the fourth most read digital platform in Hungary. If partisan content features in such widely read and influential publications, it will have an influence on the public."

International Perspective

For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has acted as a example for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.

Previous US leaders and their supporters have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in press freedom rankings.

In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US conservatives that the way to governance necessitated "controlling media outlets."

Historical Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's regime approved a regulation that established state authority over the main media regulator and positioned the state broadcaster in the management of supporters.

Ownership Details

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

In a announcement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a successful press organization of comparable scale to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and successful brands that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier stated in a communication that its determination to transfer was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A official representative was approached for response.