The Fight to Save Israel’s Public Media

The government’s plan to privatize or shut down the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC, also known by its brand “Kan”) is much more than just a financial decision – it marks the start of a dangerous transformation in Israel’s media landscape. Led by Communication Minister Shlomo Karhi, this move is part of a broader agenda to consolidate control over public discourse under the guise of “efficiency” and “competition.” As the Director General of IPBC, Golan Yochpaz warned, this is not a reform, but a dismantling of an institution that safeguards freedom of expression and diversity in Israeli media.

This move comes alongside Karhi’s push for the controversial Ratings Bill,  which seeks to transfer control of television viewership data to the government. This seemingly technical shift would allow the state to choose which rating systems are used, potentially steering content decisions towards government-approved narratives. Critics, including Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, have called it a “chilling intrusion into privacy,” warning that it could turn Israel’s media into a tool of political influence​.

The IPBC’s privatization would be a devastating blow to Israel’s cultural and democratic fabric. It produces nearly 50% of all original Israeli TV content, from award-winning dramas to investigative documentaries that challenge power structures. Shutting it down, as Zvika Gottlieb of the Film and Television Producers Association notes, would “kill local content creation” and decimate a creative industry that employs thousands. Beyond jobs and entertainment, this is about preserving spaces where diverse voices – often silenced in commercial media – can be heard.

This isn’t an isolated move. It fits into a broader strategy, long pushed by Prime Minister Netanyahu, to control media narratives. The government’s preference for Channel 14, a small, ultranationalist outlet benefiting from state support and tax exemptions, highlights this agenda. Despite allegations of incitement and bias, Channel 14 has become one of the country’s most-watched networks. Media analysts note its rise as both a driver and reflection of Israel’s shift to the extreme right​

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-standing interest in controlling Israel’s media is well-documented. His coalition’s efforts to reshape media laws, influence content, and undermine regulatory bodies are not new. The Ratings Bill, along with the IPBC’s closure, are tools in a broader campaign to ensure media loyalty. Opposition leader Yair Lapid warned that “they won’t stop at the IPBC or Haaretz; they’re coming for all independent voices.”​

Private media outlets may think they are safe, but history suggests otherwise. Once public broadcasting falls, it sets a precedent. If the government can dictate terms for the IPBC today, what’s to stop them from pressuring private outlets tomorrow? The Ratings Bill is particularly ominous in this regard. By controlling audience data, the state gains leverage over commercial networks, subtly shaping their content choices through funding incentives and regulatory threats.

Karhi’s dismissive attitude toward criticism is telling. When confronted with concerns about privacy and freedom of expression, he famously said the Attorney General’s opinion was “worth as much as a garlic peel”​. This casual disregard for checks and balances underscores the danger. Once control is centralized, it becomes easier to manipulate public discourse, stifle dissent, and turn the media into a propaganda machine.

This is not just about ratings or budgets – it’s about control. Public broadcasting in Israel has always been more than a TV station; it’s a democratic institution, a forum for debate, and a mirror of society’s complexities. Privatizing it will strip away its independence and turn it into another tool for those in power. Without IPBC, Israel risks losing not only cultural treasures but also its standing as a beacon of democracy.

Public broadcasters around the world, from the BBC to Germany’s ARD, play a vital role in ensuring that all citizens – regardless of wealth or influence – have access to quality journalism and diverse perspectives. Israel cannot afford to abandon this model. The fight to save the IPBC is a fight for the soul of Israeli democracy. Allowing its privatization would open the floodgates for further media manipulation, leaving citizens vulnerable to one-sided narratives and state-sponsored propaganda.

As Karhi and his allies push forward, the public must recognize what’s at stake. This is not a reform – It’s a reckoning. Israel merits a media landscape that reflects its vibrant, diverse society – not one dictated by political whims and commercial interests. The IPBC must remain public, independent, and free. Anything less is a step toward authoritarianism.