Hungary’s media landscape was rocked on Wednesday after Blikk, the country’s most-read newspaper, was acquired by Indamedia — a media group widely seen as aligned with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The purchase has raised fears of further erosion of press freedom in a country already criticised for its shrinking independent media space.
A major shift in Hungarian journalism
Blikk, a popular tabloid with around three million monthly online readers, has long stood apart from the government’s tightly controlled media ecosystem. Known for its celebrity coverage and independent political reporting, it was one of the few mass-market outlets still operating outside pro-government influence. The acquisition marks the latest step in a years-long consolidation of Hungary’s media under business interests loyal to Orbán’s Fidesz party.
Indamedia’s growing influence
Indamedia, which also owns several major news portals including Index.hu, has been steadily expanding its reach since being taken over by Orbán-linked investors. Although the company insists it will maintain editorial independence, media watchdogs remain sceptical. Reporters Without Borders called the purchase “a serious setback for pluralism”, warning that “Hungarians are being deprived of access to free and diverse news sources”.
Critics warn of state capture
Opposition politicians described the deal as another step toward “complete state capture of the media”. Klára Dobrev, leader of the Democratic Coalition, said the government “is suffocating the last voices of independent journalism” and urged the European Union to take action against what she termed “soft authoritarian control through business proxies”.
Government defends free market transaction
Hungary’s government dismissed the criticism, claiming the sale was “a private business decision”. Officials said that “media diversity remains guaranteed” and that the state does not interfere in ownership matters. However, analysts point out that Hungary’s advertising market is heavily skewed toward outlets supportive of the government, giving them significant financial advantage.
Media freedom under strain
Since Orbán’s return to power in 2010, Hungary has dropped sharply in global press freedom rankings. Independent journalists face political pressure, reduced access to official information, and the steady disappearance of critical outlets. With Blikk now under pro-government ownership, many observers fear that Hungary’s remaining media independence may be approaching its end.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 5 November 2025
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