Hungary's Media Watchdog Reviews Indamedia-Ringier Deal

Hungary's competition authority, the Gazdasagi Versenyhivatal (GVH), has launched an investigation into last year's acquisition of Ringier Hungary's assets by media group Indamedia Network, citing a need to clarify the circumstances surrounding the transaction.

Indamedia, half of which is owned by a businessman with ties to the government of outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, acquired a portfolio that includes Blikk, Hungary's largest tabloid newspaper. The deal was completed just months before the April elections in which Peter Magyar's party prevailed, ending Orban's 16-year hold on power.

When the acquisition was announced, Magyar had already alleged it was an attempt to consolidate political control over the media. Critics had long argued that Orban's extensive influence over the media landscape was among the factors that helped him win three consecutive terms in office.

The GVH said it initially found no grounds to open an investigation, as the parties' combined annual turnover did not exceed the legal threshold. The situation changed, however, after new information came to light in early March.

Experts have noted that the transaction should also have been assessed under the European Media Freedom Act. The European Board for Media Services has separately concluded that the deal could have a negative impact on media pluralism and editorial independence in Hungary.

(reuters, bak)