News 13 CEO Tali Ben Ovadia to Depart After Election

Tali Ben Ovadia, the CEO of News Company 13, has requested to end her term following the upcoming elections, according to Globes. This comes just 10 months after her permanent appointment, which followed a prolonged period of managerial uncertainty at the company. The move coincides with the approval of the deal to transfer control of Channel 13 to Assaf Rappaport and the Merit fund by the Second Authority Council.

Following the deal's completion and the granting of control permits, changes are expected in the directorates of the Channel and the News Company. A new CEO for News 13 is also anticipated. Ben Ovadia's departure adds to a series of resignations and changes within the News Company in recent months. Last month, it was reported that Matan Ayala, a presenter and reporter, would leave after 10 years. Southern reporter Yishai Porat announced his departure after 7 years.

Ben Ovadia initially served as interim CEO starting in November 2024, navigating the news company through wartime and internal challenges. Her permanent appointment was confirmed after a lengthy struggle on the board, securing the necessary 80% majority required by law. During her tenure, Ben Ovadia also dealt with a lawsuit from former News 13 presenter Netali Shem-Tov, who sued the company and the CEO for NIS 3.5 million. A settlement of approximately NIS 700,000 was reached, but a dispute later arose over alleged breaches of a confidentiality clause in the agreement.

Ben Ovadia is a veteran figure in Israeli media, having held various editorial and management roles throughout her career, including editing "Ulpan Shishi" at Channel 2 News, positions at ynet, and Channel 10, before becoming chief editor and deputy CEO of news. Neither Ben Ovadia nor News 13 provided a response.