Israeli Journalists' Standing Plummets to All-Time Low Amidst Political Division
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Israeli television journalists have seen their public standing collapse to an all-time low, a situation attributed to efforts by Prime Minister Netanyahu's government to erode trust in the media. Despite initial strong performance by news channels on October 7th, public faith has significantly declined. Internal conflicts among journalists and the perception of bias on channels like 12 and 14 have further damaged their credibility. Even older demographics, who traditionally rely heavily on television news, are reportedly losing faith, contributing to the lowest point for journalists as the country faces what are called its most fateful elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli television journalists' standing has fallen to an all-time low over the past four years.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu and his team are accused of intentionally working to destroy public trust in the media.
- Internal disputes among journalists on Channel 12 and public perception of bias on Channel 14 have damaged credibility.
- Channel 13 is struggling after opting for programming that did not align with the prevailing political discourse.
- Even elderly viewers, a key demographic for news, are reportedly no longer trusting television news reports.
- The decline in journalistic standing coincides with elections described as the most 'fateful in the country's history.'
The standing of Israeli television journalists has reached an unprecedented low over the past four years, a decline that has become particularly evident despite their crucial role in the initial hours following the October 7th attacks. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his associates are credited with intentionally working to dismantle the public's trust in the media, a mission that appears to be nearing completion if he is re-elected.
Channel 12 News, despite strong ratings, is experiencing internal strife, with journalists Ilan Lokach and Yossi Mizrahi publicly clashing on social media with colleague Amichai Segal, a dispute amplified by the public. While historically, criticism of media bias often came from the right, accusing outlets of favoring certain owners, the current situation sees widespread criticism even among Channel 12's regular viewers.
Channel 14, perceived as a pro-Netanyahu outlet, is seen as actively supporting the Prime Minister, foregoing journalistic pretense. However, the article suggests that if Netanyahu loses office, the relevance of many journalists on this channel will diminish significantly.
Channel 13, labeled as a left-leaning channel, is struggling after opting not to follow the prevailing trend and instead presenting programs aimed at a center-left audience. This strategy, unfortunately, has only garnered enthusiasm in limited demographics like nursing homes and kibbutzim. For the right-wing public, news broadcasts are often dismissed as "fake news" and their participants as "haters of Israel," particularly after instances where panels were formed without right-wing or religious participants, or even Arab Israelis.
Recent reports indicate that Assaf Rappaport, the new owner of Channel 13, met with Amichai Segal, a move that went largely uncommented on by other prominent journalists. The article notes that despite the significant viewership of news broadcasts, the public's trust has eroded, with even the elderly demographic, for whom television is a major source of information, no longer believing the news. This decline in trust occurs as the upcoming elections are being described as the most "fateful in the country's history."