Hebrew Media Systematically Excludes Arab Voices, Study Finds
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
A study by Sikkuy-Aufoof and "Seventh Eye" found Hebrew media systematically marginalizes Arab voices, particularly concerning the disqualification of Arab political lists. Coverage of Sami Abu Shehadeh's case featured no Arab speakers in 85% of instances, and only 22 Arab speakers appeared out of 142 total. The report warns this exclusion threatens Arab political representation and freedom of expression, urging media to host Arab voices professionally.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hebrew media systematically excludes Arab voices, with 85% of coverage on Sami Abu Shehadeh lacking Arab speakers.
- Only 22 Arab speakers appeared out of 142 total in coverage related to Arab political lists.
- Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan) hosted no Arab figures during a two-week monitoring period.
- Interviews with Arab figures are often condescending, placing them in a position of suspicion.
- Discussions rarely addressed fundamental Arab rights, with only 11% on voting and representation.
- The systematic exclusion is seen as a precursor to political disenfranchisement and chilling free speech.
A new report by the Sikkuy-Aufoof association and the "Seventh Eye" website reveals that major Hebrew media outlets, including television and radio, systematically marginalize Arab voices and their core issues. The latest findings focused on the disqualification of Arab political lists and specifically the case of Sami Abu Shehadeh, a leader of the National Democratic Alliance party.
According to Tayeb Gnaim, media coordinator for Sikkuy-Aufoof, who spoke with Adham Habiballah, 85% of media coverage concerning Abu Shehadeh on Israeli channels completely omitted any quotes from him or other Arab speakers. His case was discussed without him being interviewed or given a chance to respond. Out of 142 appearances related to these issues, only 22 were Arab speakers, a proportion described as unreasonable and unprofessional.
Furthermore, monitoring of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan) showed no Arab figures were hosted during a two-week period, despite Arab citizens funding these official institutions through their taxes. Gnaim noted that when Arab figures are hosted, the interviews are often condescending, placing the speaker in a position of suspicion and demanding pre-emptive answers to complex political questions. He cited an instance where Abu Shehadeh was allegedly pressured on Kan radio to make specific statements under intimidation.
The report also highlighted that discussions in Hebrew media rarely touched upon fundamental rights of Arab citizens, with only 11% of coverage addressing the right to vote and political representation. The impact of disqualifications on Arab voter turnout received just 7% of media attention.
This systematic exclusion, the report concludes, paves the way for actual political disenfranchisement. It also fosters fear and suspicion among the Arab public and their representatives towards official media, potentially chilling freedom of expression, especially in the aftermath of the October 7th events. The report calls for adherence to basic professional journalistic standards, emphasizing the necessity of hosting and engaging with Arab speakers on equal footing when discussing pressing Arab community issues.
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