Israeli Journalist Criticizes Colleague's Political Involvement
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Journalist Sivan Klingbail criticized fellow journalist Amit Segal's involvement in politics, stating journalists should remain observers and critics, not speechwriters for politicians. She cited instances of journalists being dismissed for writing speeches for political figures, calling it a breach of journalistic ethics. Klingbail also addressed content from a security breach, noting that quoting such material is illegal. She countered Segal's claim that this is a common practice among journalists, emphasizing their role is to report and critique impartially.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Journalist Sivan Klingbail stated journalists should not write speeches for politicians.
- Klingbail argued journalists must remain observers and critics, even of those they support.
- She cited examples of journalists dismissed for writing speeches for political figures.
- Klingbail emphasized that quoting from a security breach is illegal.
- She refuted claims that such political involvement is common practice among journalists.
Journalist Sivan Klingbail stated on X (formerly Twitter) that journalists should not be involved in writing speeches for politicians or participating in the political game. She argued that their role is to observe, report, and critique, even when it concerns individuals they support. Klingbail recounted that early in her career at TheMarker, she parted ways with a writer who wanted to draft speeches for a party leader. She also mentioned that Yedioth Ahronoth dismissed Yehuda Shohat after he wrote speeches for Benny Gantz and the Blue and White party, asserting that such actions violate journalistic ethics.
Klingbail further addressed content revealed after a security breach, emphasizing that both the breach and quoting from its contents are illegal. This, she explained, is why she commented on statements made by journalist Amit Segal in a video he released, rather than on information exposed by the breach. She refuted Segal's implication that such practices are common among journalists, stating, "Contrary to Segal's words, not everyone does this." Klingbail reiterated that a journalist, even one with known political leanings, should remain an observer, not a participant in the political arena. She concluded by referencing Segal's own words, "Silence is filth."
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