Israel's Channel 13 Gets New Ownership After Regulatory Approval

Israel's Channel 13 has officially welcomed a new ownership group, "Merit Fund," following approval from the Second Authority for Television and Radio. The acquisition deal was initially completed months ago, but regulatory delays prevented the transfer of ownership to the group led by Assaf Rappaport.

Despite the delays, Rappaport and his associates have been involved in Channel 13's operations and decision-making, including the dismissal of chef Moshik Roth from the show "Master of the Kitchen." Chef Assaf Granit confirmed Rappaport's active involvement in business matters.

Channel 13 stated that the investors, high-tech entrepreneurs Yinnon Kostika and Assaf Rappaport, will now lead the network. The channel described the new ownership as bringing a "media startup" model, emphasizing investment in quality content, advanced digital platforms, and support for the news division to produce independent, high-quality journalism.

The Merit Fund expressed its commitment to free, independent, and quality Israeli media, aiming to equip Channel 13's management, talent, and employees with the best technological and financial tools to become Israel's leading, boldest, and most innovative media entity. They also thanked the Access group and Sir Len Blavatnik for their contributions.

Channel 13 CEO Idan Elrom called the approval a historic milestone, marking a transition from a period of struggle to one of momentum and growth for the network.