Veteran Channel 13 News Reporter Departs After Decade of Service

Matan Ayela, a journalist, reporter, and anchor for Israel's Channel 13 News, has announced his departure from the network after a decade, including approximately eight years with the news division. In an emotional farewell post on social media, Ayela reflected on his extensive and intensive journalistic career.

Ayela detailed his diverse professional journey at Channel 13, which included roles as an investigator, system coordinator, assistant editor, chief editor, field reporter, and studio anchor for breaking news. He stated he was involved in countless stories, including social issues, national events, long broadcasts, the COVID-19 pandemic, five election cycles, wars and operations, special events, and moments where news became reality.

He specifically addressed his coverage of events since the October 7th Hamas attacks, describing it as one of the most challenging periods. Ayela recalled the faces of families of hostages, the missing, and the murdered who came to the studio to cry out, and the difficult material he had to filter before broadcasts. He mentioned working in the control room or covering funerals in the field, often breaking down in tears afterward.

Ayela noted that his ten years at the network shaped him not only professionally but also personally, transitioning from a young man after military service to a family man with two children. He expressed gratitude to key figures who guided him, including Avri Gilad, Lucy Aharish, Yaakov Eilon, Almog Boker, and Tom Caspi, acknowledging their mentorship and impact on his career.

He also thanked his managers, technical teams, editors, and field photographers, referring to colleagues who became true partners in his journalistic mission. Ayela concluded by looking forward to a new path, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunities, challenges, lessons, stories, and especially the people he encountered during his tenure, emphasizing his effort to be the best possible messenger.