The Knesset approved today (Wednesday) in the preliminary reading of the bill to privatize the Israel Broadcasting Corporation. The discussion will continue in the Knesset committee, at the request of Knesset members, instead of the economy committee as originally planned.
The Israel Broadcasting Corporation responded: “It is another step on the way to take over public broadcasting, liquidate it, sell its assets and resources that belong to the entire community in Israel, and transfer them directly to private capitalists.
“The privatization of the corporation means – the end of the beloved dramas, the documentaries that won international awards, the educational broadcasts that no child in Israel is not connected to, the Kan digital channel that reached close to two. billion views in the past year, the dismissal of hundreds of employees and fatal damage to the livelihood of thousands of employees as a result of the cancellation of Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest and the ban on the free broadcast of the World Cup of the television industry in Israel.”
Communications Minister Shlomo Karai said in the Knesset before the approval: “The basis of the law is to economically promote a right-wing worldview. There is no denying that the broadcasts of current affairs in the corporation are biased, and the broadcasting of simulated reality does not to inform a large part of the people. So far there is no corporate board, but we will take care of that.
“The coverage is so sympathetic that even absurd things are supported – the same goes for the incitement on Channel 33 Makan – they sing praises to the rabbi who killed Arafat. When I go to the corporation, the ombudsman replies: Don’t throw the minister, he has no authority. They tell me – the Likud founded the corporation, so I tell you – the Likud founded it, and now he wants to privatize it and to close.
“For the employees of the corporation – as we did at the post office – we made a voluntary retirement. People are trying to make them retire because of the good conditions. Also for the employees of the corporation – if they don’t succeed privatize them, if all the employees do not continue, we will offer them the best conditions and good employment conditions in the public sector.
Opposition Chairman Yair Lapid: “You really don’t think they will arrest the corporation and the Haaretz newspaper. What they want is that there will be no freedom of speech, only sickle and sickle. This is an attack on Israeli democracy, on freedom of speech in disguise. Krei wants everyone to sound like Bardogo, and that’s what this bill is all about. They decided to do what dark regimes do everywhere – first of all suppress the free media, and then everything else.” Lapid spoke to the major media outlets: “They are on their way to you, don’t be silent.”
According to the private bill of MK Tali Gottlieb of the Likud, the Public Broadcasting Corporation will be closed within two years from the entry into force of the law, and accordingly, the Public Broadcasting Law will be repealed offering to grant a license for television broadcasts on the channels on which the corporation broadcasts. them unless a winner is selected. Broadcasts on the corporation’s channels will be stopped completely Similarly, it is planned to stop the corporation’s radio broadcasts, with the exception of broadcasting on the B network frequency, which will also hold a tender to grant a license for national radio broadcasts ( so that it will be the first national private station).
On Sunday, the Ministerial Committee on Legislation confirmed the government’s support for the law to close MK Tali Gottlieb’s (Likud) Public Broadcasting Corporation This is contrary to the position of the legal adviser to the government, Gali Beharev Miara the ombudsman reads: “It is this is a clear message to the media market that criticism of the government or the broadcasting of content that the government is not happy with may result in swift action and restraint on the media companies.” The journalists’ organization strongly criticized the decision and announced that they would fight against it.
Another controversial law deals with MK Gottlieb which the Knesset is expected to discuss today with a significant expansion of the immunity of Knesset members According to the proposed law, a majority of 90 Knesset members will be required for a criminal investigation or a civil lawsuit against Knesset Members.
The legal adviser of the Knesset, the attorney Sagit Afik, said that Gottlieb is required to make a proper disclosure in the Knesset plenum before the vote, due to the fact that there is a civil proceeding against him, and according to media reports also a criminal investigation. The Chairman of the Knesset Ethics Committee, MK Moshe Roth (Torah Judaism), and Attorney Afik herself announced that in order to prevent a Conflict of interest, the proposal should only apply to proceedings initiated after the law passed The speaker to the Knesset said that Gottlieb agreed to the disclosure, and also agreed to declare in the Knesset that the law will not apply retroactively.
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of privatizing the Israel Broadcasting Corporation for Israeli society?
Title: The Future of Public Broadcasting in Israel: An Interview with Dr. Miriam Eldar, Media Policy Expert
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Eldar. The Knesset has just approved a preliminary reading of the bill to privatize the Israel Broadcasting Corporation. Can you help us break this down? What does this mean for public broadcasting in Israel?
Dr. Miriam Eldar: Thank you for having me. This bill signifies a major shift in Israel’s media landscape. By privatizing the Israel Broadcasting Corporation, we are not only looking at the potential end of public broadcasting as we know it but also a radical reorientation of how media is funded and controlled in this country.
Editor: The Israel Broadcasting Corporation has expressed concerns about this privatization, stating it could lead to the liquidation of public resources. What’s your take on that?
Dr. Eldar: Their concerns are valid. Privatization often prioritizes profit over public service. If this bill goes through, we might see a reduction in the variety and quality of programming, particularly in educational content and critical journalism. There’s a risk that the interests of the public will be secondary to those of private investors.
Editor: Communications Minister Shlomo Karai claims this move will economically promote a right-wing worldview and suggests that the current broadcasting is biased. Do you believe this critique is grounded, or is it more about shifting control?
Dr. Eldar: It seems more about shifting control. While there can be biases in any media outlet, the underlying aim of privatization frequently revolves around restricting dissenting voices rather than genuinely addressing perceived biases. This approach raises alarm bells about media freedom and the importance of diversity in public discourse.
Editor: Opposition figures like Yair Lapid have labeled this move as an attack on Israeli democracy and freedom of speech. Is there merit to such claims?
Dr. Eldar: Absolutely. History shows us that when governments undermine public broadcasting, it’s often a precursor to reducing freedom of expression overall. Public media plays a crucial role in holding power accountable and providing a platform for diverse viewpoints. This legislative push could significantly curtail that role, leading to a more homogenized media landscape controlled by a few.
Editor: Karai mentioned creating a voluntary retirement program for employees. How do you think this will affect journalistic integrity within the corporation?
Dr. Eldar: This tactic can create a chilling effect. When employees are uncertain about their job security, they may self-censor or avoid covering sensitive topics that could jeopardize their employment. A government-mandated privatization approach could lead to an environment where journalists are less independent and more aligned with the interests of private proprietors.
Editor: It seems that this bill is sparking significant public debate. What can concerned listeners in Israel do to ensure their voices are heard?
Dr. Eldar: Raising awareness is crucial. Citizens should engage in discussions, attend Knesset sessions, and reach out to their representatives. Supporting organizations that advocate for media rights and public broadcasting can also make a difference. Ultimately, public pressure can influence policy and keep the government accountable.
Editor: A final question, Dr. Eldar. If this privatization goes through, what do you see as the long-term implications for Israeli society?
Dr. Eldar: If we move to a completely privatized broadcast model, we may see a fragmentation of media, where certain narratives dominate at the expense of others. This could lead to a less informed public, polarizing the nation further. In the long run, the loss of a robust public broadcaster could undermine the fabric of Israeli democracy itself.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Eldar, for your insights. This is certainly an evolving issue that will require vigilant attention from the public and media alike.
Dr. Eldar: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical matter.