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Media professionals at the country's most popular newspaper have shown disbelief after a media conglomerate seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, acquired the tabloid from its previous Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

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

A Fidesz-friendly media company, Indamedia, announced on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian media assets, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a influential tabloid whose news site reaches about three million digital visitors monthly.

Leadership Shake-up

Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, announced on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "shared decision" with the acquiring company.

Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on compelling journalism" and to be "more audience-focused, addressing political affairs, economic matters, and cultural topics," he said on social media.

Employee Responses

Employees of Blikk said they were stunned. "I came close to a heart attack when I learned about the declaration," said one reporter, who wished to be unnamed. "Personally, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has introduced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Issues

Many journalists who have decided to stay say they are in a challenging situation as there are few other outlets remaining where they could look for work.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a widespread state-aligned media landscape to strengthen his public perception and public opinion ratings.

Political Timing

Although major media transactions have tended to take place either post-election or during a stable political time, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary happens less than six months prior to April's parliamentary election.

Blikk was seen as a main goal for Orbán and his party at a period when polls are indicating that they have a serious opponent for the first time in exceeding a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza party is campaigning on promises to eradicate deep-seated corruption, has been vocal about Orbán's "media machine" and the negative impact he says it has affected Hungary's political freedom.

He has questioned the Ringier Hungary transaction, declaring it represents another attempt by Orbán to cement his control over Hungary's news publications.

Newspaper's Significance

Although Blikk is a tabloid, famous for its celebrity news and dramatic titles, in the past few years it has also featured many pieces on suspected graft.

"The publication represents by far the most widely circulated newspaper in Hungary, a industry frontrunner," commented a communications specialist. "The web version has become remarkably well-received in recent times, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If partisan content is published by such widely read and mainstream outlets, it will have an impact on the general population."

Global Perspective

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

Previous US leaders and their allies have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US traditionalist groups that the route to leadership required "having their own media."

Past Media Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's government passed a regulation that asserted government control over the main media regulator and put the state broadcaster in the control of loyalists.

Proprietorship Details

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

In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "Via the purchase of Ringier Hungary, the organization is obtaining a profitable press organization of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and recognized names that serve a crucial function in the Hungarian press environment."

Ringier stated in a release that its decision to sell was "motivated entirely by commercial planning elements and our emphasis on our primary online operations in Hungary."

A official representative was sought for comment.