Israel's High Court Never Shut Radio Station Over Content, Ruling Shows
Claims by right-wing activists that Israeli authorities are politically motivated in shutting down radio stations, particularly those aligned with the right, are unfounded, according to a detailed examination of past legal decisions. The article asserts that stations were closed due to violations of the law, not their broadcast content.
Channel 7, a radio station identified with the right, operated illegally for 15 years without a license before being shut down in 2003. The High Court of Justice had ordered the cancellation of a law that would have retroactively legalized its operations, as the station had broadcast from land while claiming to broadcast only from sea. Previous attempts by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to grant Channel 7 legal status through expedited and irregular means were also noted.
In contrast, the article highlights recent decisions involving religious stations Kol Chai and Kol Barama. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi intervened to allow these stations to broadcast nationwide without a tender, a move the Second Authority for Television and Radio deemed to be without proper authority. Legal advisors have criticized these decisions, citing significant procedural flaws and potential violations of law, suggesting a pattern of bypassing legal procedures.
The piece clarifies that numerous pirate radio stations, often dozens per year, have been shut down by Israeli authorities. Channel 7's closure was not unique in being shut down, but rather in its prolonged operation without a license. The article refutes the notion of a consistent left-wing bias against right-wing media, arguing that enforcement actions have been based on legal infractions, and that political-regulatory moves have sometimes benefited right-wing stations.
Recent legal challenges have been filed against the extended broadcasting permits granted to Kol Chai and Kol Barama. The Attorney General's office has stated that Minister Karhi's actions lacked legal basis and appeared designed to circumvent court decisions. Meanwhile, legislative efforts are underway to allow commercial radio broadcasts without geographical limitations, with licenses to be awarded through public tenders.
