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Reporters at the country's most popular newspaper have expressed shock after a media conglomerate seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The purchase, which occurs while Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is largely considered another effort to strengthen government influence on the media.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular tabloid whose online platform attracts approximately three million online readers monthly.

Leadership Shake-up

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

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on political affairs, economics, and culture," he stated on social media.

Staff Responses

Workers from Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I came close to a heart attack when I was informed of the declaration," remarked one journalist, who wished to be anonymous. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."

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

Media Landscape Concerns

Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain say they are in a challenging situation as there are limited other media organizations remaining where they could look for work.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive government-supporting press environment to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings.

Political Context

Although significant press acquisitions have tended to take place either post-election or during a quiet political period, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months ahead of April's national vote.

Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a moment when opinion research are suggesting that they have a real challenger for the first time in over a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is promoting pledges to eliminate deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the negative impact he says it has affected Hungary's democratic system.

He has condemned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, stating it constitutes another effort by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's press organizations.

Newspaper's Importance

Although Blikk is a tabloid, famous for its gossip column and sensational captions, in the past few years it has also featured many pieces on possible misconduct.

"Blikk is by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," stated a press expert. "Its online site has become remarkably well-received in recent times, becoming the fourth most popular online site in Hungary. If biased information features in such extensively consumed and popular media, it will have an influence on the public."

International Context

For more than a decade, Hungary has functioned as a example for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" internationally.

Ex-US administrators and their supporters have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in media freedom indexes.

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

Historical Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's administration enacted a legislation that imposed state authority over the primary press oversight body and put the state broadcaster in the hands of allies.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting entrepreneur who is also CEO of a pro-government private channel.

In a statement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the company is obtaining a well-performing media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with strong market positions and popular products that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier said in a statement that its determination to transfer was "driven exclusively by commercial planning elements and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A official representative was sought for comment.