In an unusual move, the European Broadcasting Union responds to a bill from the Israeli government that threatens the independence of the Israeli national broadcaster, which could lead to Israel’s removal from Eurovision competitions.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), responsible for the Eurovision Song Contest, has come out against a proposed law that threatens to place the budget of the Israeli national broadcaster, Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, under the budget of the State of Israel. This would effectively give the government the ability to intervene in and cut the budget, with cuts subject to government discontent. This is currently not possible, as the broadcaster is separate from the government and is not affected by changes it makes.

In a statement issued by the EBU, it was noted: “We are deeply concerned about the proposed legislation from the Israeli government that would allow them to change or cancel items in the public broadcaster’s budget, putting at risk the editorial and financial independence of public media,” they add, “This development could be interpreted as an attempt by the Israeli government to exert greater direct control over KAN.” The union calls for an immediate halt to politicians’ efforts to interfere with the corporation’s budget. The public broadcasting corporation joined this call: “The proposed bill is another attempt to harm the independence and existence of the public broadcasting corporation.”

The Proposal and Its Implications

The proposal was submitted by Knesset member Avihai Boaron from the Likud party. In the explanatory notes for the proposal, it states: “The State of Israel is in the midst of a war. In January 2024, the Governor of the Bank of Israel published a press release stating that total war expenses from 2023 to 2025 are expected to amount to approximately 220 billion new shekels.” The government approved broad cuts across all ministry budgets to meet obligations required due to the war.

Despite this clarification, it is hard not to take seriously the words of both the national broadcaster and the EBU, especially since Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi also opposes the existence of the national broadcaster, at least in its current structure. He previously stated: “There is no place for public broadcasting that enjoys public funding and harms competition.” However, it is precisely because of its public status that the corporation retains its state-like and independent character today, which does not depend on economic interests of its owners or political interests of the current government. It is a pillar of Israeli democracy, representing all segments of society and primarily not heavily influenced by political considerations compared to other television networks that are not committed to state interests due to being private.

Implications for Israel’s Eurovision Participation

Threats to the independence of the national broadcaster could lead to Israel’s expulsion from the EBU, which would result in Israel’s withdrawal from Eurovision competition. If the reform planned by the government passes—from this bill up to a complete privatization of the union—Israel could end its participation in competitions like Russia did when its television network’s independence was compromised, leading to its removal from the EBU.

Israel in Eurovision 2024

“Hurricane” is the name of the song performed by singer Eden Golan, who was chosen to represent Israel after winning the tenth season of “HaKochav Haba”. Israel advanced to the final after winning the second semi-final with 194 points, and in the grand final reached fifth place with 375 points. In the public vote, Israel came in second place, just 14 points behind the first place.

This is the second consecutive time that Israel has reached the top five, an achievement it had not attained since its streak of successes in 1998-1999.

Source:  Ynet