Media Deal Sparks Controversy in Israel: "Channel 13" Between Money and Politics

Concerns are rising within Israel regarding the future of independent media, following moves to sell a significant stake in Israeli Channel 13, in a case that has turned into a battleground between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and media institutions that criticize his policies.

Journalists Warn of "Blow to Media Independence"

A number of Israeli journalists have appealed to British billionaire Leonard Blavatnik to halt the sale of his nearly 15% stake in the channel, warning that the deal could open the door to substantial changes in the editorial line of the media institution.
The Guardian reported that the channel is known for its critical coverage of the Israeli government, especially regarding investigation files related to Netanyahu, which has heightened the sensitivity surrounding the proposed deal.

Businessman Enters the Deal

According to media reports, businessman in the telecommunications sector Patrick Drahi is expected to acquire the offered stake, and he owns media outlets that are described as less critical of the government, raising concerns about potential impacts on the channel's editorial policy.

Accusations of Undermining Press Freedom

The Israeli Journalists' Union has stated that the deal could represent a serious setback for media freedom, describing it as part of a broader plan to control the media landscape ahead of elections.
For her part, the union's press freedom officer Anat Saragosti warned that significant investments from the new owner could grant him actual influence over the channel's management, which could affect the independence of the content.
She also pointed to concerns about potential layoffs of journalists, citing what happened at The Washington Post during billionaire Jeff Bezos's ownership.

Competing Offers and Denial of Political Pressure

In contrast, a coalition of tech entrepreneurs has made a competing offer to acquire a larger stake in the channel with a commitment to inject broader investments, while negotiations continue without a final resolution.
Access Industries, the company that owns Blavatnik's stake, denied any political pressure behind the deal, asserting that the decision is based on economic considerations related to supporting the channel's financial stability and accelerating its digital transformation.

A Broader Battle for the Future of Media

The deal comes amid increasing accusations against the government of attempting to reshape the media landscape through legal measures and political pressure on media and investigative journalists, raising widespread debate about the future of media plurality in Israel.