The future of press freedom in Israel hangs in the balance as British billionaire Sir Leonard Blavatnik considers selling his stake in Channel 13, a commercial television channel known for its critical coverage of the Netanyahu government. This potential sale has sparked concern among Israeli journalists, who fear it could mark a significant blow to the country's media independence.
Blavatnik, a prominent figure on the UK's rich list, is selling a substantial 15% share in Channel 13 to Patrick Drahi, a telecoms tycoon with multiple nationalities. Drahi already owns a cable television company and a news channel in Israel, both of which have a less critical approach to covering Netanyahu.
The deal has raised eyebrows due to Drahi's heavily indebted business empire and ongoing legal battles with creditors in the US. The Union of Journalists in Israel has issued a strong statement, calling the sale "an unlawful deal" that could further erode press freedom in the country. They believe it is part of a larger "master plan" by the Netanyahu government to control the media ahead of this year's elections.
"Sir Blavatnik, known for his philanthropy, should not support any move that undermines press freedom in Israel," the Union's statement reads.
While Drahi is only purchasing a 15% stake, critics argue that as the sole investor, he will have significant control over the channel's policies. Anat Saragusti, who oversees press freedom for the Union of Journalists, expressed this fear: "By buying 15%, he gets 100% hold of the channel's policy. If he's the only one keeping the channel afloat financially, it becomes entirely dependent on him."
Saragusti adds, "It's a lose-lose for the Israeli public. Freedom of speech and diversity of opinions are at stake."
The potential consequences of this sale are far-reaching. Ayala Panievsky, a journalism fellow at City St George's, University of London, draws parallels between the fate of Channel 13 and the Washington Post under Jeff Bezos. Panievsky, who has written extensively on the siege of the free press by populist right-wing forces, views these cases as part of an escalating war on independent journalism.
"Media owners must be held accountable when they collaborate with governments to harm press freedom," Panievsky asserts.
Israeli journalists fear that a Drahi takeover could result in mass job losses similar to those experienced by the Washington Post's staff. A consortium of liberal Israeli tech entrepreneurs has made a rival bid for a majority stake in Channel 13, offering a significant investment to modernize the channel.
A spokesperson for Blavatnik's company, Access Industries, denies any political pressure to sell to Drahi, stating that his proposal was selected because it offered the best deal for Channel 13. The spokesperson adds that Drahi's offer provides much-needed funds for the channel's stability, expansion, and investment in high-quality content and digital transformation.
However, the company denies Israeli reports that the Netanyahu government signaled its disapproval of the tech consortium's bid.
Netanyahu and his ministers have been actively reshaping Israel's media landscape ahead of the elections. The prime minister is currently on trial for corruption charges involving alleged offers of financial favors in exchange for positive media coverage.
The government has also imposed financial sanctions on the independent newspaper Haaretz for its criticism of the Gaza war, accusing it of "support for the enemy."
The tech consortium continues to argue its case for buying Channel 13, and the Union of Journalists believes Israel's antitrust authorities or supreme court will block the Drahi bid. Meanwhile, journalists are hoping Blavatnik reconsiders his decision.
"If Channel 13 falls, it will be the end of the free press in Israel," Saragusti warns. "It's the tipping point. Blavatnik must understand that this is not just an economic issue but a critical milestone for Israeli democracy."
The fate of Channel 13 and the potential consequences for press freedom in Israel remain uncertain, leaving journalists and media watchers alike anxiously awaiting the outcome.
