Amit Segal Explains Channel 14's Rise, Criticizes Israeli Media
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Political commentator Amit Segal attributed the rise of Channel 14 to years of media imbalance, warning Galei Tzahal commanders of a "violent" correction if bias persisted. He noted Yaakov Bardugo's rapid ascent to prominence with a controversial radio show. Segal sees Channel 14 as aggressively attempting to correct perceived past media injustices at high speed.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Amit Segal warned Galei Tzahal of a "violent" correction due to broadcast bias.
- Segal stated Channel 14's approach stems from years of media imbalance.
- He noted Yaakov Bardugo's radio show became popular and controversial quickly.
- Segal described Bardugo's style as expressing views at "1,000 km/h and 100 decibels."
- He believes Channel 14 is aggressively correcting perceived media injustices.
Political commentator Amit Segal discussed the rise of Channel 14 and Yaakov Bardugo's role in Israeli media during an interview with Arutz 7 at a 2026 election event. Segal stated that Channel 14's current approach is a consequence of years without attempts to balance reporting in other media outlets. He recalled warning his commanders at Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) that if they did not correct the "25-degree bias" in their broadcasts, the correction would be "violent."
Segal explained that he had alerted station commanders that failing to add a host alongside Razi Barkai, balance the morning panel, and change program openings would lead to an external and much harsher correction. He admitted he did not anticipate Bardugo's rise, describing how Bardugo quickly transformed his radio show into a popular yet controversial program. Segal quipped that controversial figures "only exist on one side."
He further commented on Bardugo's style, saying it expresses things at "1,000 km/h and 100 decibels" that others had previously stated more moderately. Segal identified a similar phenomenon at Channel 14, stating that the channel "tries to correct injustices done at 1,000 km/h." He concluded that this represents an attempt to rectify long-standing media bias through a rapid and aggressive counter-reaction.
