Israeli networks unite to oppose media bill proposed by Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel's three largest television channels and media corporations united on Wednesday to launch the "Israeli TV Channels Forum," a joint action forum established in response to Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi's reform which they say will harm the free media in Israel. The purpose of this forum is to prevent any potential harm to media independence and freedom of the press resulting from the reform.

As The Jerusalem Post reported, "The takeover of the media market has become the government's next target. Karhi's plan is a prelude to crushing one of the cornerstones of democracy in Israel and allows political control of the media agenda. The communications minister seeks to regress Israel to how it was four decades ago, establishing the government's 'content ministry,' a political body that will control the news, the television market in Israel, and the publication of rating data. It is second to none in the democratic world," Reshet 13, Keshet 12, and national broadcaster KAN said in a statement.

The newly-formed forum has declared its intention to utilize all available means to halt any hostile takeover of the Israeli media. However, they have not provided specific details about their next steps. The forum issued a statement highlighting the danger of having a political body controlling the news and TV market in Israel, stating that it is unprecedented in the democratic world. Karhi plans to overhaul the structure of the regulation authority, creating one body with minimal powers that will serve as an independent authority without intervention in content. The council will consist of nine members, three government officials, a chairman, and five public representatives. Two of the public representatives will be directly appointed by the communications minister, and the others will be appointed by a committee composed of representatives from the Communications, Education, and Justice ministries.

Karhi's reform will favor Channel 14, hurt economy, the joint forum said. "The expected bill is intended to blatantly intervene in the economic sphere as well, by rewarding specific media outlets, that the government desires to reward with specified benefits and exemptions from payment. At the same time, the bill confiscates the rights of free channels, eliminates the local production industry, and severely harms Israeli public broadcasting and the Israeli music industry," the statement said, referring to the right-wing orientated Channel 14.

It is expected that the legislation will pass later this year and be implemented in early 2024. Protests have been ongoing in Israel for several months since Netanyahu’s appointment of a right-wing government. This government has proposed laws that would restrict LGBTQ+ rights and has approved judicial reforms that weaken the power of the Supreme Court.