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Media professionals at Hungary's most popular newspaper have shown disbelief after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The purchase, which comes as Hungary approaches pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to increase government influence on the news outlets.

A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had purchased a group of Hungarian publications, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose news site draws around three million web users monthly.

Management Changes

Blikk's departing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and another senior manager were leaving in "shared decision" with the current proprietor.

They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on compelling journalism" and to be "more public-oriented, covering political affairs, economic matters, and culture," he commented on Facebook.

Staff Reactions

Workers from Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I almost had a heart attack when I heard the announcement," said one reporter, who requested to remain unidentified. "In my view, this is professionally concerning."

Blikk has announced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

Numerous reporters who have decided to stay say they are in a difficult position as there are limited other publications left to which they could seek employment.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread pro-government media landscape to boost his image and poll numbers.

Election Context

Although important publication acquisitions have typically occurred either post-election or during a calm political phase, the purchase of Ringier Hungary occurs under six months before April's general election.

Blikk was considered a prime target for Orbán and his party at a period when polls are suggesting that they have a serious opponent for the initial occasion in more than a decade.

Political Rival Response

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is promoting commitments to eliminate entrenched dishonesty, has been direct about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the harm he says it has affected Hungary's political freedom.

He has condemned the Ringier Hungary transaction, stating it signifies another effort by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's media outlets.

Newspaper's Importance

While Blikk is a popular newspaper, known for its celebrity news and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also featured multiple stories on possible misconduct.

"Blikk is by far the most popular newspaper in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," stated a media analyst. "Its online site has become unexpectedly successful in recent years, becoming the fourth most popular online site in Hungary. If partisan content features in such extensively consumed and influential publications, it will have an effect on the public."

International Perspective

For over a decade, Hungary has functioned as a blueprint for other "illiberal democracies" around the world.

Former American officials and their supporters have consistently commended Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a meeting of US conservatives that the way to governance demanded "controlling media outlets."

Past Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's government approved a legislation that imposed state authority over the main media regulator and positioned the public broadcaster in the management of loyalists.

Ownership Details

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned businessman who is also chief executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a announcement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a successful media company of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and successful brands that play a defining role in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier said in a statement that its decision to sell was "based solely on business strategy factors and our concentration on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A official representative was sought for comment.