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Journalists at the country's most popular publication have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate seen as close to PM Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, acquired the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.

Timing of Acquisition

The acquisition, which coincides with Hungary approaches crucial elections next year, is widely seen as another move to expand government influence on the press.

A government-aligned media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had bought a group of Hungarian publications, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a influential daily newspaper whose news site reaches about three million online readers monthly.

Leadership 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 current proprietor.

They had been hired seven months ago to revamp Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on engaging content" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing political affairs, economic matters, and cultural topics," he said on social media.

Employee Reactions

Workers from Blikk expressed being taken aback. "I nearly experienced a heart attack when I learned about the announcement," stated one journalist, who wished to be unnamed. "For me, this is morally unacceptable."

Blikk has named a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Media Landscape Concerns

Numerous reporters who have chosen to remain say they are in a complex circumstance as there are few other publications remaining where they could apply.

During the last 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive pro-government media landscape to boost his image and public opinion ratings.

Election Context

While significant press deals have usually happened either following voting or during a quiet political period, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary occurs under six months ahead of April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was considered a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a period when opinion research are indicating that they have a serious opponent for the first time in more than a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is promoting promises to eradicate entrenched dishonesty, has been direct about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he says it has affected Hungary's political freedom.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary deal, saying it represents another move by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's media outlets.

Publication's Importance

While Blikk is a tabloid, known for its celebrity news and dramatic titles, in the recent years it has also run many pieces on possible misconduct.

"Blikk is by far the most read daily publication in Hungary, a market leader," stated a media analyst. "The web version has become remarkably well-received in recent times, becoming the fourth most popular website in Hungary. If partisan content appears in such highly popular and popular media, it will have an effect on the public."

Global Perspective

For more than a ten-year period, Hungary has functioned as a model for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" around the world.

Previous US leaders and their allies have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it plunges in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a conference of US traditionalist groups that the route to leadership required "controlling media outlets."

Past Media Control

In 2010, Orbán's regime approved a law that imposed state authority over the primary press oversight body and put the public broadcaster in the management of loyalists.

Ownership Information

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

In a announcement, Indamedia's second proprietor and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the group is acquiring a well-performing publication group of comparable scale to Indamedia, with solid commercial standing and recognized names that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier stated in a statement that its decision to sell was "driven exclusively by business strategy factors and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A official representative was sought for statement.