Journalist Defends Colleague Amidst Leaked Chat Controversy
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Journalist Geula Even-Sa'ar defended political commentator Amit Segal, calling him more talented than his critics, amid a controversy over leaked messages with a Netanyahu advisor. The messages, published by an anonymous site, sparked debate on journalistic ethics and source relationships. Segal argued such exchanges are standard practice, while fellow journalists Chen Lieberman and Michal Activist criticized the conduct, drawing a sharp rebuke from host Yinon Magal.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Geula Even-Sa'ar defended Amit Segal, calling him more talented than his critics.
- Leaked chat messages between Segal and PM Netanyahu's advisor Jonathan Uriach sparked controversy.
- The messages raised questions about journalistic ethics and relationships with political sources.
- Segal stated such exchanges are normal journalistic practice and involve sources across the political spectrum.
- Fellow journalists Chen Lieberman and Michal Activist criticized Segal's alleged conduct.
- Host Yinon Magal criticized Michal Activist for attacking her colleague Amit Segal.
Geula Even-Sa'ar, a journalist, has publicly defended political commentator Amit Segal amidst a media storm surrounding leaked chat messages attributed to Segal and Jonathan Uriach, an advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Even-Sa'ar posted on X, formerly Twitter, expressing her support for Segal and criticizing journalists attacking him. She asserted that Segal is more talented, intelligent, and better at uncovering scoops than his critics, questioning why they hate him so much.
The controversy began when an anonymous website published a database of messages allegedly from Uriach, including exchanges with Segal. These publications suggested discussions on political matters, sparking a debate about the boundaries between journalistic relationships with sources and potential involvement in shaping political messages.
Segal addressed the issue on Channel 12's news program, stating that exchanging information and opinions is part of journalistic work. He emphasized maintaining connections with individuals across the political spectrum, not just those close to Netanyahu. Segal also noted that politicians and public figures have historically shared draft speeches and campaign materials with him for his input, denying any ethical lines were crossed and criticizing the publication of private conversations.
However, criticism also emerged from within Channel 12. Journalist Chen Lieberman expressed reservations about the conduct described in the publications, calling it a "sausage factory" that amplifies political spins and vendettas rather than serving the public. Lieberman suggested the messages indicated a politician attempting to control free media through representatives within it.
Michal Activist, another Channel 12 journalist, shared Lieberman's comments on Instagram, agreeing with her assessment. Yinon Magal, host of "HaPatriotim," criticized Activist, stating she "stuck a knife in her colleague" Amit Segal.
Mentioned
