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Journalists at Hungary's leading newspaper have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The acquisition, which coincides with Hungary approaches important elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to increase government influence on the press.

A pro-Orbán media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had acquired a portfolio of Hungarian titles, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose online platform draws around three million web users monthly.

Management Shake-up

Blikk's departing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and another key leader were leaving in "shared decision" with the acquiring company.

They had been hired seven months ago to reposition 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 Reactions

Employees of Blikk expressed being shocked. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I learned about the announcement," remarked one correspondent, who requested to remain unnamed. "In my view, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

Many journalists who have chosen to remain admit being in a complex circumstance as there are few other publications available where they could apply.

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

Election Timing

Whereas major media acquisitions have typically occurred either post-election or during a stable political time, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs under six months prior to April's national vote.

Blikk was seen as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when surveys are suggesting that they have a serious opponent for the premier instance in over a decade.

Political Rival Response

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom political group is promoting commitments to root out systemic graft, has been direct about Orbán's "media machine" and the harm he says it has done to Hungary's political freedom.

He has condemned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it represents another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's press organizations.

Newspaper's Importance

Although Blikk is a daily publication, known for its celebrity news and dramatic titles, in the recent years it has also published many pieces on alleged corruption.

"The publication represents by far the most read newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," commented a communications specialist. "The web version has become surprisingly popular in recent times, becoming the fourth most visited website in Hungary. If propaganda appears in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the general population."

Global Context

For more than a decade now, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "semi-democratic systems" around the world.

Ex-US administrators and their allies have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in press freedom rankings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a conference of US traditionalist groups that the route to leadership required "controlling media outlets."

Historical Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's government passed a regulation that established official oversight over the primary press oversight body and positioned the state broadcaster in the hands of supporters.

Proprietorship Information

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also top executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a statement, Indamedia's other co-owner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the organization is gaining a successful media company of comparable scale to Indamedia, with strong market positions and successful brands that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier stated in a communication that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our focus on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was sought for statement.