Channel 13 News Anchor Matan Ayala Departs After Decade Amidst Exodus

Matan Ayala, a news anchor and reporter for Israel's Channel 13, announced his departure from the network on Wednesday, concluding a 10-year tenure. In an Instagram post, Ayala described his time at Channel 13, including approximately eight years with its news division, as "much more than a workplace" and "a significant part of my life." He reflected on his diverse roles, from researcher and editor to field reporter and news bulletin anchor, highlighting his involvement in covering major national events, social issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, five election cycles, wars, and operations.

Ayala specifically mentioned the profound impact of the October 7th Hamas attacks, recalling the difficult experience of interviewing families of hostages, the missing, and the murdered, and the emotional toll of reviewing sensitive materials for broadcasts. He stated that his decade at the network not only shaped his professionalism but also his personal growth, transitioning from a young man after military service to a family man with two children.

Ayala's departure occurs during a period of significant staff turnover at Channel 13, following its acquisition by Assaf Rappaport. Recent departures include foreign correspondent Yosef Israel, director Tali Zomer, and senior editor Roi Barak. This follows earlier significant changes in May, including the high-profile exit of journalist Avishai Ben Haim after 16 years. Ben Haim moved to Channel 14 to join the panel of "The Patriots" program and participate in other current affairs shows on that channel.

Other notable departures from Channel 13's news division include celebrity reporter Ron Finkelstein and Tal Zerbib Menor, who served as the reporters' coordinator and spokesperson. Zerbib Menor had been appointed to her role in March 2024, succeeding Yarden Daida.