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Reporters at Hungary's most-read newspaper have shown disbelief after a media group viewed as friendly to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, purchased the tabloid from its earlier Swiss owners.

Context of Purchase

The acquisition, which comes as Hungary gears up for pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to strengthen government influence on the news outlets.

A pro-Orbán media group, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a collection of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose digital edition reaches about three million web users monthly.

Management Shake-up

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

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on compelling journalism" and to be "more reader-centered, covering political affairs, economics, and culture," he commented on Facebook.

Employee Reactions

Workers from Blikk expressed being stunned. "I almost had a heart attack when I heard the news," remarked one reporter, who requested to remain unidentified. "In my view, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has introduced a replacement top editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Concerns

Many journalists who have decided to stay acknowledge feeling in a challenging situation as there are few other media organizations available where they could seek employment.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a sprawling pro-government press environment to boost his image and polls.

Political Timing

While major media deals have tended to take place either following voting or during a quiet political period, the purchase of Ringier Hungary comes fewer than six months before April's general election.

Blikk was seen as a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are suggesting that they have a serious opponent for the initial occasion in exceeding a decade.

Political Rival Reaction

The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is running on pledges to root out deep-seated corruption, has been direct about Orbán's "media machine" and the harm he claims it has affected Hungary's democratic system.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary transaction, stating it constitutes another move by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's media outlets.

Newspaper's Importance

While Blikk is a popular newspaper, renowned for its celebrity news and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also featured multiple stories on possible misconduct.

"This newspaper stands as by far the most read newspaper in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," stated a communications specialist. "Its online site has become remarkably well-received in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular online site in Hungary. If partisan content features in such widely read and influential publications, it will have an influence on the public."

International Context

For over a ten-year period, Hungary has served as a blueprint for other "semi-democratic systems" globally.

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

In 2022, Orbán told a meeting of US traditionalist groups that the path to power necessitated "owning press organizations."

Historical Media Control

In 2010, Orbán's administration passed a legislation that imposed government control over the chief communications authority and placed the state broadcaster in the hands of allies.

Proprietorship Details

Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting investor who is also top executive of a government-friendly television station.

In a declaration, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the group is obtaining a profitable press organization of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and recognized names that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian media landscape."

Ringier announced in a release that its choice to divest was "driven exclusively by strategic economic considerations and our concentration on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A government spokesperson was sought for comment.