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Journalists at the country's most-read newspaper have expressed shock after a media conglomerate viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, purchased the popular daily from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The buyout, which comes as Hungary gears up for pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to expand government influence on the press.

A government-aligned media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a collection of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose digital edition draws around three million online readers monthly.

Leadership Changes

Blikk's outgoing top editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "shared decision" with the new owner.

They had been hired seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on engaging content" and to be "more public-oriented, covering politics, economic matters, and cultural topics," he commented on social media.

Employee Responses

Staff at Blikk said they were shocked. "I came close to a medical emergency when I heard the announcement," stated one reporter, who requested to remain anonymous. "For me, this is morally unacceptable."

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

Press Environment Concerns

Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain acknowledge feeling in a challenging situation as there are limited other media organizations left to which they could look for work.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive state-aligned media landscape to enhance his reputation and public opinion ratings.

Political Timing

While important publication deals have tended to take place either after elections or during a quiet political period, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary comes under six months ahead of April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was considered a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when opinion research are suggesting that they have a genuine competitor for the first time in exceeding a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on pledges to root out entrenched dishonesty, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the damage he claims it has affected Hungary's political freedom.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, declaring it constitutes another effort by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Importance

While Blikk is a daily publication, known for its gossip column and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also published numerous articles on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most widely circulated daily publication in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a communications specialist. "Its online site has become surprisingly popular in recent years, becoming the fourth most read website in Hungary. If propaganda features in such widely read and popular media, it will have an influence on the general population."

International Context

For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "illiberal democracies" globally.

Previous US leaders and their supporters have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in press freedom rankings.

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

Historical Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's administration approved a legislation that asserted government control over the primary press oversight body and placed the state broadcaster in the hands of supporters.

Proprietorship Information

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned investor who is also top executive of a state-aligned TV network.

In a announcement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, said: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the company is gaining a profitable media company of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier stated in a statement that its choice to divest was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our main internet businesses in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was sought for statement.