New Channel 13 Owner Tries to Recruit Top Commentator Amit Segal

Asaf Rappaport, the new owner of Israel's Channel 13, is reportedly attempting to recruit prominent political commentator Amit Segal from rival Channel 12. Rappaport has held at least one meeting with Segal in an effort to bring him to Channel 13's news division. Market speculation suggests Segal is unlikely to leave his current position at Keshet 12's news company. Neither Rappaport nor Segal have commented on the reports.

The reported recruitment attempt comes as Rappaport continues efforts to attract senior staff and talent from Keshet 12 since taking control of Channel 13. Earlier on the same day, Itay Dankner, formerly VP of Programming at Keshet, was appointed CEO of Channel 13 News, replacing Tali Ben Ovadia, who will step down after the upcoming elections. Rappaport recently finalized his acquisition of Channel 13 through the Merit fund, signaling a new era for the network. The fund, backed by Rappaport and his Wiz partner Yinon Costika, plans to invest approximately $120 million in Channel 13 over the next three years. Upon the deal's approval, Channel 13 CEO Idan Elrom stated the new ownership would enable accelerated development plans and increased investment in content, digital platforms, and journalism. The current push to strengthen the network and its news division by recruiting prominent figures from competitors appears to be a key objective for the new ownership.