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Reporters at the country's most popular newspaper have voiced surprise after a media conglomerate considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary gears up for important elections next year, is widely seen as another attempt to strengthen state control on the press.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had purchased a collection of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a popular daily newspaper whose digital edition reaches about three million online readers monthly.

Leadership Shake-up

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

They had been hired seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, reporting on politics, economics, and culture," he stated on social media.

Staff Reactions

Employees of Blikk admitted feeling taken aback. "I nearly experienced a cardiac episode when I heard the announcement," said one reporter, who wished to be unnamed. "In my view, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has introduced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Issues

Many journalists who have chosen to remain say they are in a challenging situation as there are few other publications available where they could seek employment.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling government-supporting media landscape to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings.

Election Context

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

Blikk was considered a prime target for Orbán and his party at a moment when polls are indicating that they have a real challenger for the premier instance in over a decade.

Political Rival Response

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is promoting pledges to root out systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he claims it has done to Hungary's democratic system.

He has condemned the Ringier Hungary acquisition, stating it signifies another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.

Publication's Significance

While Blikk is a daily publication, known for its celebrity news and sensational captions, in the recent years it has also featured many pieces on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a market leader," said a press expert. "Their digital platform has become remarkably well-received in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular website in Hungary. If propaganda appears in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the public."

International Context

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

Previous US leaders and their supporters have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán spoke to a meeting of US traditionalist groups that the way to governance demanded "controlling media outlets."

Past Media Control

In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a regulation that established state authority over the chief communications authority and placed the national media outlet in the management of allies.

Ownership Information

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

In a declaration, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the company is acquiring a successful press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with established industry presence and popular products that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier said in a communication that its decision to sell was "motivated entirely by strategic economic considerations and our focus on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was sought for response.