WIZ Founder Assaf Rappaport Discusses Network 13 Acquisition, Google Deal
Assaf Rappaport, CEO and co-founder of WIZ, will appear in an extensive interview on the new season of "Meeting with Roni Kovan" on Kan 11, airing Saturday night. This marks his first in-depth interview since acquiring Channel 13. Rappaport, who sold WIZ to Google for $32 billion, will discuss the behind-the-scenes of that deal, the acquisition of Channel 13, and managing the immense wealth generated.
A central topic will be the Channel 13 acquisition, approved last week. Rappaport expressed surprise at the government's opposition and efforts to block the deal, stating he did not anticipate such complexity. He also criticized the government's wartime priorities, noting two meetings focused on the Second Authority for Television and Radio instead of more pressing issues during the conflict with Iran. Rappaport believes media influence on government decisions is a negative surprise.
While affirming his belief in Channel 13's importance and his affection for it, Rappaport argued that during the war with Iran, the channel should not have been a government priority. He previously described the acquisition as a "contribution" aimed at fostering free and independent media, free from government or private interests. His goal is to build Israel's best news company, capable of supporting or opposing the government as needed.
Since the acquisition, Channel 13 has seen management changes, including the appointment of Idan Elrom as CEO, shifts in its reporting staff, and alterations to its prime-time programming. Beyond Channel 13, Rappaport will also detail the WIZ journey and its record-breaking sale to Google. The interview will touch upon his decision to move WIZ's funds out of Israel during the judicial reform protests, as well as personal matters including his coming out, his relationship with his partner, and his mother.
Notably, Rappaport will address for the first time the question of managing the billions received from the WIZ sale and his life after one of the largest exits in Israeli tech history.
