Israel Press and Communications Council Raises Concerns Over Proposed Communications Law
Tel Aviv, Israel – The Israel Press and Communications Council has voiced its strong opposition to the memorandum of the Communications Law (Broadcasting), 2023-2023, stating that it is one of the harshest positions papers submitted against the proposed law. The council, along with its appointed committee, thoroughly examined the memorandum and prepared a response on behalf of the council.
In an article published in Ha’Ein Shevait, editor Shuki Taussig stated that the proposed law is one of the most dangerous initiatives for the future of democracy in Israel. Taussig highlighted the government’s efforts to assert control over public broadcasting, citing a statement made by Culture Minister Miri Regev during a session of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation. Regev emphasized the need for governmental control over the Israel Broadcasting Corporation, stating, “What is the corporation worth if we do not control it?”
Taussig further expressed concerns based on his recent visits to Hungary and Poland, where he witnessed government-controlled media systems. Drawing parallels between the proposed law and the government’s initiatives to take over the judicial system, Taussig warned against the potential erosion of democracy.
The proposed Communications Law aims to regulate the provision of viewing and listening content in Israel, promote investment in quality Israeli creations, allow diversity and pluralism in content provision, especially news content, and promote competition in the field. However, the council argues that the bill fails to establish an independent authority, as it is supposed to be a trust unit in the Ministry of Communications. The composition of the new authority’s council includes government representatives and does not meet the standards of true independence.
Furthermore, the bill seeks to abolish the licensing regime for media and replace it with a registration obligation. The chairman of the council, a political appointment, would have the authority to determine whether an applicant should be registered. This raises concerns about potential political interference in media registration and content control.
The Israel Press and Communications Council also highlights the bill’s impact on media outlets that the government wishes to harm or protect. The bill imposes restrictions on the Public Broadcasting Corporation, requiring it to make its products available to commercial media for free and prohibiting the sale of advertisements on its radio stations. In contrast, the bill relaxes restrictions on cross-ownership for some media platforms, while retaining them for the written press.
The council’s position paper, which documents its concerns extensively, aims to shed light on the dangers posed by the proposed Communications Law. The council emphasizes the need for an independent, pluralistic, and diverse media landscape that upholds the principles of democracy and freedom of press.
The Communications Law is currently under review by the Knesset, Israel’s legislative body.