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Media professionals at the country's most-read newspaper have expressed shock after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its former Swiss owners.

Context of Acquisition

The purchase, which coincides with Hungary gears up for crucial elections next year, is largely considered another effort to increase state control on the press.

A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had bought a group of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose online platform reaches about three million web users monthly.

Management Shake-up

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

They were appointed seven months ago to reposition Blikk, "shifting from dramatic coverage but on interesting stories" and to be "more reader-centered, reporting on politics, economics, and cultural topics," he stated on social media.

Staff Reactions

Staff at Blikk said they were stunned. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I learned about the announcement," stated one correspondent, who wished to be anonymous. "In my view, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has introduced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Issues

Many journalists who have decided to stay acknowledge feeling in a difficult position as there are not many other outlets available where they could apply.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread government-supporting news ecosystem to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings.

Political Timing

While important publication deals have typically occurred either post-election or during a stable political time, the buyout of Ringier Hungary comes under six months before April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was considered a key objective for Orbán and his political organization at a moment when polls are suggesting that they have a serious opponent for the premier instance in over a decade.

Political Rival Response

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is running on promises to eliminate systemic graft, has been outspoken about Orbán's "information apparatus" and the negative impact he claims it has affected Hungary's democratic system.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary transaction, declaring it signifies another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's press organizations.

Newspaper's Significance

Although Blikk is a daily publication, renowned for its celebrity news and sensational captions, in the recent years it has also featured numerous articles on alleged corruption.

"The publication represents by far the most widely circulated daily newspaper in Hungary, a market leader," commented a communications specialist. "The web version has become remarkably well-received in the past few years, becoming the fourth most popular digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda features in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an impact on the public."

International Perspective

For exceeding a decade, Hungary has served as a example for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" internationally.

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

In 2022, Orbán addressed a conference of US right-leaning politicians that the path to power required "owning press organizations."

Historical Press Control

In 2010, Orbán's regime approved a legislation that established government control over the chief communications authority and put the public broadcaster in the management of loyalists.

Proprietorship Details

Indamedia is half-owned by Mikló Vaszily, a government-supporting investor who is also chief executive of a state-aligned TV network.

In a announcement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Through the acquisition of Ringier Hungary, the organization is acquiring a profitable press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that play a defining role in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier announced in a release that its choice to divest was "based solely on strategic economic considerations and our emphasis on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A official representative was approached for statement.