Bangladesh, May 15 -- A leaked contract detailing the proposed sale of one of the Balkans largest independent media networks has ignited renewed concerns over political influence, media capture, and the future of press freedom across Southeast Europe. The documents suggest that United Group, the parent company of several influential television and digital outlets in the region, is preparing to sell key media assets to investors linked to the political and business circles surrounding Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

The reported 30 million euro ($32.5 million) deal would transfer ownership of some of the Balkans most prominent independent broadcasters-including N1 and Nova television networks-to a Luxembourg-based investment v...