Channel 14: From Niche to Netanyahu's Ally
Channel 14, originally launched in 2014 as a heritage channel by businessman Yitzhak Mirilashvili, has evolved into a significant news outlet with a strong pro-Netanyahu stance. This transformation was facilitated by legislative changes pushed by Likud lawmakers, granting the channel regulatory leniency, increasing government advertising budgets, and providing unparalleled access to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Many of the channel's presenters and panelists have publicly defended Netanyahu and criticized the judiciary and security establishment. Some have even received offers to run for the Knesset, with one prominent figure, Yaakov Bardugo, being placed high on the Likud's electoral list.
The channel's journey began as Channel 20, focused on Israeli heritage, but it soon incorporated current affairs programming. Despite facing regulatory fines and disqualifications from tenders, including one for the Knesset channel, its trajectory shifted significantly following a 2018 law amendment. This amendment allowed the channel to broadcast news and advertisements with fewer obligations than other major networks, and it was classified as a "mini-license" with reduced fees and reporting requirements. Critics, like Dr. Tehila Schwartz Altshuler of the Israel Democracy Institute, have labeled this process "Case 5000," suggesting a quid pro quo for favorable coverage.
Netanyahu himself has exclusively granted interviews to Channel 14 for an extended period, from March 2021 to June 2025, underscoring the channel's unique access. The channel's "mini-license" status, which provided significant regulatory and financial advantages, was extended multiple times but is set to expire in February 2026. As of September 2026, the Second Authority for Television and Radio informed Channel 14 that it no longer meets the conditions for this status, due to its 2025 revenues exceeding the 80 million shekel threshold. Consequently, from 2027, the channel will be required to establish a separate news company and pay standard license fees.
Government advertising expenditure on Channel 14 has surged dramatically, with ten Likud-controlled ministries increasing their spending by 532% compared to 2022. This contrasts sharply with the decline in government advertising on Channels 12 and 13. The channel's audience has also grown, particularly after the October 7th attacks, with its news programs achieving significant ratings, especially among right-wing viewers and supporters of the current coalition. The channel and its prominent figures have faced numerous lawsuits for libel, with several resulting in court-ordered payments.
