In a controversial new bill, MK Osher Shekalim proposes allowing the Minister of Communications to directly appoint members of the Israeli national broadcaster’s council without a nomination committee, potentially impacting its independence and Israel’s participation in Eurovision.

In the context of ongoing attempts to control the media in Israel, MK Osher Shekalim has introduced a bill that would enable the Minister of Communications to directly appoint members of the Israeli national broadcaster’s governing council. This move bypasses the current requirement for a nomination committee, which is designed to prevent political interference in the corporation. If passed, this bill would represent a significant shift in the governance of the organization, whose council oversees its budget and operational planning.

The proposal is part of a series of legislative attempts in recent months aimed at undermining the independence of the Israeli national broadcaster, “KAN”. Just last week, MK David Bittan, chairman of the Knesset’s (Israeli parliament) Economic Committee, halted the advancement of a bill to shut down the corporation after it had already passed a preliminary reading in the Knesset. However, he indicated his intention to continue promoting an alternative bill that would grant politicians direct control over the corporation’s budget. This development comes despite strong objections from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which has emphasized the need for an independent broadcasting body. In a sharp letter to MK Bitan and other committee members, the EBU highlighted the importance of maintaining public broadcasting in Israel.

Legal and Operational Challenges

The current council of “KAN”, under the management of Golan Yokhpaz, handles an annual budget of approximately 800 million ILS (216 million euros approximately) and includes up to 12 members, each appointed for a four-year term, with the possibility of one renewal. As of November, there were ten members on the council, but five had completed their terms, leaving the council unable to convene with the minimum required number of seven members. The new bill seeks to change this situation by eliminating the need for a nomination committee, which has historically served to insulate the corporation from political meddling. This is a key point in the ongoing struggle for the autonomy of free media in Israel, as the nomination committee was designed to ensure supervision free from political influence. Amidst heated debates in the Knesset and the filing of petitions to the High Court of Justice, the battle over the future of media in Israel remains highly contentious.

For new member appointments, a nomination committee headed by a retired judge and two additional members must be established. Minister Shlomo Karhi appointed Judge Moshe Yair Drori to lead the committee, but following his appointment, a petition was filed that delayed the committee’s operations. Karhi and Drori have been unable to find a third committee member, preventing them from extending the terms of the current council members. By the end of November, Drori resigned from his position, and a replacement has not yet been found. Furthermore, due to issues within the council, the High Court issued an order extending the terms of two council members, Michal Rafaeli Kaduri and Menachem Ben Sasson, who had already completed one term. This order allows the council to convene again and function.

Implications for Media Independence

The shift to direct appointments by the minister could complicate the legal status of the corporation and deepen political involvement in its operations, potentially affecting the objectivity of the media and the quality of content presented to the public. This criticism follows numerous petitions to the High Court, arguing that proposals to change the management structure of the corporation constitute an infringement on press freedom and the independence of the media in Israel. The new proposal underscores the difficulty of maintaining independence while politicians seek to directly influence the programs and budgets of various media bodies.

EBU’s Earlier Response

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

Despite the Economic Committee chairman’s announcement that the law to close the broadcaster will not be promoted, some sections that the coalition wanted to advance will proceed as usual. Among these is the section that will subject the broadcaster’s budget to the state budget, requiring annual government approval. This still puts the broadcaster’s independence at risk and, consequently, Israel’s participation in Eurovision.

The European Broadcasting Union has already warned committee members that the country’s participation in the international competition is in danger if the law passes. If enacted, the broadcaster’s budget would become vulnerable, as it would require government approval each year. Even if “KAN” is not closed, its independence would be at risk, and the EBU could still decide that “KAN” no longer meets the Union’s membership conditions.

The Journalists’ Organization stated that it would continue to fight against MK Bitan’s decision, arguing that it would politicize broadcasting and ultimately destroy public broadcasting in Israel.

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.