Headline: Press Council Strongly Opposes Communications Law Proposed by Communications Minister
Subtitle: Council claims law gives unprecedented control of the media to the government
In a strong statement against the communications law proposed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karai, the Press Council in Israel has expressed its firm opposition, stating that the law undermines the principles of a democratic regime and the Supreme Court ruling. The Council, which has been criticized in the past for its lack of involvement in key press issues, has submitted one of the harshest position papers against the law.
The Council’s memorandum highlights the concern that if the proposed law is implemented, Israel will be following in the footsteps of countries like Poland and Hungary, which have seen a decline in democratic values. They argue that the law grants the government unprecedented control over the media, akin to the government’s attempts to take over the judicial system.
The Council raises several key objections to the proposed law. Firstly, they criticize the establishment of a new communications authority that they believe will be completely political, with the Council being appointed and controlled by the government. Secondly, the replacement of the licensing system with a registration system, although seemingly liberalizing, gives the Communications Authority extensive powers that could be used to silence government criticism. The Council also expresses concern over the nationalization of rating measurement, which they argue could be used to favor government-backed media outlets.
Another issue highlighted by the Council is the removal of restrictions on the opening of television and news channels, which they argue could lead to a decline in quality broadcasting and a loss of independence for journalists. The proposed law also obligates the broadcasting corporation to provide its content free of charge, including archive material, which the Council believes violates the law on human dignity and freedom.
The Council further accuses Communications Minister Karai of crafting the law to benefit media outlets that support the Netanyahu government while harming those that criticize it. They claim that the provisions of the law seem tailored to favor Channel 14, including exempting it from certain investment requirements and allowing it to avoid a debt owed for the distribution of broadcasts.
Overall, the Council’s memo declares its strong opposition to the communications law proposed by Communications Minister Karai, claiming it threatens the principles of a democratic regime and the freedom of the press. They call for support in ensuring an independent press and urge the public to stand up against the potential threat posed by the proposed law.
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