WIZ Founder Asef Rapoport Discusses Network 13 Acquisition, Google Deal

Asef Rapoport, CEO and co-founder of WIZ, recently gave an extensive interview to Kan 11's "Meeting with Roni Kovan," discussing his acquisition of Israel's Channel 13 and the record-breaking sale of WIZ to Google for $32 billion. Rapoport expressed surprise at the government's opposition to the Channel 13 deal, which was approved only last week, stating that efforts were made to block it. He criticized the government's focus on the Second Authority for Television and Radio during the recent conflict with Iran, arguing that more pressing issues should have taken precedence. "I was very, very surprised how much the media drives the government. It's a surprise that is a bad surprise, in my opinion," Rapoport stated, emphasizing that while he values Channel 13, its regulatory issues should not have been a government priority during wartime.

Rapoport previously described the Channel 13 acquisition as a "contribution" aimed at fostering free and independent media, free from government or private interests. He outlined plans to recruit top talent to build the "best news company in Israel," capable of supporting or opposing the government as circumstances dictate. Since the acquisition, Channel 13 has seen management changes, including the appointment of Idan Elrom as CEO, and shifts in its reporting and on-air talent, alongside changes to its prime-time programming.

The interview also delves into the WIZ sale, the largest exit in Israeli high-tech history. Rapoport is expected to address his decision to move WIZ's funds out of Israel during the protests against the judicial reform. Additionally, he will touch upon personal matters, including his coming out, his relationship with his partner, and his relationship with his mother. A significant portion of the interview focuses on Rapoport's new reality after the massive WIZ deal, specifically addressing the question of managing billions of dollars in his bank account for the first time.