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Media professionals at Hungary's most popular publication have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate considered aligned with nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The purchase, which comes as Hungary prepares for important elections next year, is largely considered another effort to expand government influence on the press.

A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a portfolio of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a popular tabloid whose digital edition draws around three million web users monthly.

Leadership Changes

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

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, reporting on politics, economic matters, and culture," he stated on social media.

Employee Reactions

Staff at Blikk expressed being shocked. "I nearly experienced a medical emergency when I was informed of the announcement," remarked one reporter, who asked to stay anonymous. "For me, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has introduced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

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

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government media landscape to boost his image and poll numbers.

Political Timing

While significant press transactions have usually happened either post-election or during a calm political phase, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months ahead of April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his party at a period when surveys are suggesting that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in over a decade.

Opposition Response

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is campaigning on pledges to root out entrenched dishonesty, has been vocal about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the negative impact he claims it has affected Hungary's democratic system.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it signifies another effort by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's press organizations.

Newspaper's Significance

Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, renowned for its gossip column and dramatic titles, in the recent years it has also run numerous articles on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," said a communications specialist. "The web version has become remarkably well-received in recent years, becoming the fourth most popular online site in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such extensively consumed and influential publications, it will have an impact on the citizenry."

International Context

For over a decade, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" globally.

Previous US leaders and their supporters have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in media freedom indexes.

In 2022, Orbán told a gathering of US traditionalist groups that the route to leadership demanded "owning press organizations."

Historical Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a regulation that imposed official oversight over the chief communications authority and put the state broadcaster in the management of allies.

Ownership Information

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting entrepreneur who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel.

In a statement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is acquiring a well-performing media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier stated in a statement that its choice to divest was "motivated entirely by commercial planning elements and our concentration on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A state communicator was approached for comment.