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Journalists at Hungary's leading publication have voiced surprise after a media group viewed as friendly to PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary approaches crucial elections next year, is largely considered another move to strengthen state control on the media.

A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a collection of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose digital edition draws around three million online readers monthly.

Management Changes

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

They were appointed seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more public-oriented, addressing politics, economics, and culture," he said on Facebook.

Employee Reactions

Workers from Blikk expressed being shocked. "I almost had a heart attack when I learned about the announcement," said one journalist, who asked to stay anonymous. "For me, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

Many journalists who have opted to continue admit being in a difficult position as there are limited other publications remaining where they could apply.

Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive government-supporting media landscape to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings.

Political Timing

While major media deals have typically occurred either post-election or during a calm political phase, the purchase of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months before April's general election.

Blikk was viewed as a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a period when polls are suggesting that they have a real challenger for the initial occasion in more than a decade.

Political Rival Response

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is running on pledges to root out deep-seated corruption, has been direct about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he says it has affected Hungary's democracy.

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

Newspaper's Importance

Although Blikk is a popular newspaper, renowned for its entertainment section and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also run many pieces on alleged corruption.

"Blikk is by far the most read newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," stated a media analyst. "Its online site has become remarkably well-received in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an effect on the public."

International Perspective

For exceeding a decade, Hungary has functioned as a example for other "illiberal democracies" internationally.

Former American officials and their allies have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in press freedom rankings.

In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US right-leaning politicians that the route to leadership required "having their own media."

Historical Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's government enacted a law that established government control over the primary press oversight body and put the national media outlet in the hands of allies.

Ownership Information

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

In a announcement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a successful media company of similar size to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and popular products that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier announced in a statement that its determination to transfer was "based solely on business strategy factors and our focus on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A state communicator was contacted for comment.