Israel's TV Authority Launches Probe Against Radio Host Yinon Magal
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Israel's Second Authority for Television and Radio has launched an investigation into broadcaster Yinon Magal and radio station 103fm for offensive remarks made on October 7. Magal allegedly insulted relatives of hostages and bereaved families, calling them "despicable" and urging listeners to vote for Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud party. The authority cited violations of ethics rules and election laws, particularly due to the sensitive timing around the October 7 memorial day.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's Second Authority for Television and Radio is investigating broadcaster Yinon Magal and 103fm for offensive remarks.
- Magal allegedly insulted relatives of hostages and bereaved families during an October 7 broadcast.
- He called the individuals "despicable" and "abhorrent" and read their names on air.
- Magal urged listeners to vote for Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud party for forgiveness.
- The authority cited violations of ethics rules and election laws.
- The remarks were made near the national memorial day for the October 7 events.
Israel's Second Authority for Television and Radio has initiated proceedings against radio station 103fm following harsh remarks made by broadcaster Yinon Magal during a broadcast on the evening of October 7, coinciding with the national memorial day.
During the program, Magal discussed public figures, artists, bereaved families, and relatives of hostages, including Ofri Bivas, sister of hostage Yarden Bivas. Magal alleged these individuals were involved in writing the book "Mar Ha'pkkra" (Bitter Abandonment). He read out a long list of participants, claiming they owed an "apology" to the Prime Minister and calling them "abhorrent people" and "the most despicable people living in the State of Israel."
Furthermore, Magal urged the book's participants and listeners to vote for the Likud party as a condition for forgiveness, stating, "The only thing that can forgive them... is if they slip the ballot for Netanyahu into the ballot box in the elections." He added that the names he read would "be remembered for eternal disgrace on the pillar of shame."
The Second Authority clarified that their review of the broadcast indicated the remarks exceeded legitimate criticism and constituted an offensive attack. This is particularly significant given that some individuals named are bereaved family members and relatives of hostages, and considering the sensitive timing of the national memorial day for the October 7 events.
Consequently, the decision was made to open an infringement proceeding against 103fm for violating ethics rules regarding "offensive broadcasts." The authority also noted that the call to vote for the Likud party contravenes election laws, the Second Authority law, and directives issued to radio stations.
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