Keshet 12 Executive Senior Vice President of Broadcast Scheduling Appointed CEO of Channel 13 News

The board of directors of Channel 13 News has approved the appointment of the Senior Vice President of Broadcast Scheduling as the CEO of the news company. The Senior Vice President of Broadcast Scheduling, currently the Senior Vice President of Broadcast Scheduling at Keshet 12, will move to the competing network and replace Tali Ben-Ovdaya, who announced last week her intention to step down after the upcoming elections. The Senior Vice President of Broadcast Scheduling has held his position at Keshet since 2019, where he was involved in shaping the channel's content strategy, planning broadcast schedules, and overseeing productions. Previously, he served for approximately six years as the editor of "Ufna Shishi" on Channel 12 News and as the business development manager for the news company. Throughout his career, he also held editing and production roles in current affairs and investigative journalism.

The Senior Vice President of Broadcast Scheduling's move from Keshet 12 to Channel 13 is a significant development in the television market, particularly as he comes from one of Israel's strongest broadcasting entities to Channel 13, which is undergoing organizational and ownership changes. This appointment follows the recent completion of ownership changes at Reshet 13, with the entry of Assaf Rappaport and Merit Partners. The Channel 13 management is seeking to stabilize the news company's operations and improve its market standing.

Key priorities for the Senior Vice President of Broadcast Scheduling will include expanding the digital operations of Channel 13 News, developing new distribution channels, and establishing a new studio. He is expected to work alongside Yarden Bitran, who was recently appointed Senior Vice President of Content for Channel 13 News. Ben-Ovdaya announced her decision to leave her post after the upcoming elections. She initially served as interim CEO of Channel 13 News in November 2024, with her permanent appointment confirmed in early 2026. During her tenure, the company navigated management transitions, ownership changes, staff departures, and ratings challenges.

The Senior Vice President of Broadcast Scheduling stated after his appointment, "I accept this role with a great sense of responsibility. Channel 13 News is an excellent organization with exceptionally experienced and capable journalists, and I am delighted for the opportunity to join their journey. A strong and independent news company is a vital asset to a democratic society. I thank the board of the news company for their full trust, and I believe that together we can strengthen the company and lead it forward." Idan Elrom, acting CEO of Reshet 13, commented that the Senior Vice President of Broadcast Scheduling brings "significant journalistic and managerial experience essential for the company during this challenging period," adding that together with Bitran, the Senior Vice President of Broadcast Scheduling is expected to focus on rebuilding the organization.