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Journalists at Hungary's most-read publication have shown disbelief after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The purchase, which occurs while Hungary prepares for crucial elections next year, is generally viewed as another attempt to expand state control on the news outlets.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had purchased a collection of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a popular tabloid whose digital edition draws around three million online readers monthly.

Leadership Shake-up

Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another key leader were exiting in "common understanding" with the acquiring company.

They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on compelling journalism" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on politics, economics, and cultural topics," he commented on social media.

Employee Responses

Employees of Blikk expressed being stunned. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I was informed of the announcement," remarked one reporter, who requested to remain unidentified. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has introduced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain admit being in a challenging situation as there are limited other publications left to which they could look for work.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive government-supporting media landscape to enhance his reputation and poll numbers.

Political Timing

Whereas important publication transactions have typically occurred either following voting or during a stable political time, the buyout of Ringier Hungary occurs less than six months ahead of April's general election.

Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his party at a period when opinion research are signalling that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in more than a decade.

Opposition Response

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is running on pledges to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the negative impact he asserts it has affected Hungary's political freedom.

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

Publication's Significance

Though Blikk is a tabloid, known for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the recent years it has also featured numerous articles on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most popular daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," said a media analyst. "Their digital platform has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most read digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda appears in such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the public."

Global Perspective

For over a ten-year period, Hungary has served as a example for other "semi-democratic systems" globally.

Former American officials and their supporters have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in press freedom rankings.

In 2022, Orbán told a gathering of US conservatives that the path to power necessitated "having their own media."

Historical Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's government enacted a law that asserted government control over the primary press oversight body and placed the state broadcaster in the control of allies.

Proprietorship Details

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

In a declaration, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is acquiring a well-performing press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier said in a release that its determination to transfer was "driven exclusively by business strategy factors and our emphasis on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was approached for response.