Network 13 Owner Asef Rappaport Breaks Silence on Acquisition

Asef Rappaport, the new owner of Israeli television channel Network 13, is speaking out for the first time about his acquisition of the station in an upcoming interview with Roni Kovan on Kan 11's "Meeting" program. Rappaport previously made brief remarks in May, stating that the purchase was a "contribution" intended to ensure "free and independent media, free from any government or any ruling power, or interested parties who hold media bodies." He also expressed a goal to "recruit the best people and build the best news company in Israel, which will be for or against the government, as needed."

This stance contrasts with the CEO of Merit, the acquisition platform for Network 13, who described the purchase as a business investment within Merit's portfolio, not a social project aimed at saving democracy or promoting other social causes. The CEO emphasized that the primary business goal is to improve the channel and make it profitable, with any future benefits potentially supporting social activities, but fundamentally driven by profit.

Rappaport has already implemented significant changes at Network 13, including appointing a new CEO, Idan Alrom, bringing in Zamir Dahan as his right-hand man, and replacing veteran reporters and anchors. The employee union has remained silent thus far, despite perceived interference in the news division, which is meant to be independent. The high-profile dismissal of host Moshik Rot also caused controversy, with Rappaport and his team denying involvement before regulatory approval, though Rappaport himself reportedly spoke with chef Assaf Granit to calm tensions. Granit, however, acknowledged Rappaport's deep involvement in the channel's programming.

Despite these changes, Network 13's ratings have not improved. Management has hinted at dissatisfaction with the relative failure of "The Voice," with a message that "those who don't sweat won't be here." Rappaport, though in the U.S. at the time, reportedly shared these sentiments. Following approval from the Second Authority Council, Network 13 announced a new era of "audacity and innovation" aiming to become Israel's leading media entity, directly competing with Channel 12. Rappaport is expected to elaborate on his motivations for the purchase, his plans for the channel, his interest in "Israel Entertainment," and his business objectives, which also extend to other ventures like a failed deal with Medical Center in Herzliya and ongoing negotiations for a McDonald's franchise in Israel.