A new Israeli television channel, Channel 16, is now being set up with an unusual promise, an interactive model in which viewers will help shape the content and schedule in real time. The veteran news anchor Yaakov Eilon has been chosen to lead the channel’s main news edition. He is currently presenting on Knesset Channel, but it is still unclear whether he will leave that role or appear on Channel 16 in addition.
The channel is scheduled to launch this coming Sunday, 28 June 2026, in a 21-day soft launch. During that period it will be available on Cellcom TV, on a dedicated mini-site, and through free smart-device apps. Rather than presenting a finished product, Eilon’s news program is expected to be built “on the move” together with the wider public.
The channel says viewers will influence programming through an advanced technology system called SAY16. Users will be able to vote on the types of shows, the graphics, the balance of content, and even which topics make it into the news bulletin. The project also promises a clear separation between facts and opinions, while reducing the amount of hard-news coverage in favor of series, culture, music, food, and humor.
The founders also plan to take the channel public in the future, allowing citizens to buy shares and become owners. When the launch begins, the public will receive a QR code and a link to the “Israel Index” system, where each viewer can express an opinion and help influence what appears on screen.
