Reshet 13 Spokesperson Departs Amidst Management Shakeup and Shift to Entertainment
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Nadav Gzundheit, spokesperson for Reshet 13, is leaving after one year to join the new Channel 16. His departure occurs amid a significant strategic shift at Reshet 13, moving from news development to a strong focus on entertainment and ratings under new ownership and management. This change has led to a wave of executive and staff departures from the channel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Reshet 13 spokesperson Nadav Gzundheit is leaving the channel after one year.
- Gzundheit will move to the new Channel 16 to manage its communications.
- Reshet 13 is shifting its focus from news development to entertainment programming.
- The channel's new ownership is prioritizing ratings and competition with Channel 12.
- The strategic shift has resulted in a wave of departures from Reshet 13.
Nadav Gzundheit, who has served as spokesperson for the Israeli television channel Reshet 13 for just one year, is leaving his position. Gzundheit, also known as the personal manager for singer Netta Barzilai, was appointed in October of the previous year under the former CEO, Emiliano Calzuck. His departure follows a series of significant changes in the channel's communications department, including the earlier exits of Communications VP Anat Bain and central spokesperson and PR manager Idan Arazi.
Gzundheit is moving to the newly launched Channel 16, where he will manage its communications and spokesperson operations. This move comes as Reshet 13 undergoes a strategic shift under its new ownership and management, led by CEO Idan Elrom and the new head of its news division. The channel's new owners, including Assaf Rappaport, have reportedly expanded their business interests through acquisitions like Israel Entertainment and McDonald's Israel franchise rights.
Initially, the new ownership group announced intentions to develop the news division and establish Reshet 13 as an independent media entity. However, the focus has since shifted dramatically towards entertainment and boosting ratings to compete with Channel 12. This pivot has led to changes in programming, including the cancellation of plans and involvement in the future broadcast schedule, as well as the continuation of shows like "HaYisre'elim." This shift has also been accompanied by a wave of departures from the channel, including VP of Digital and Current Affairs Nir (Shoko) Cohen, several presenters and reporters, and notably, the CEO of News 13, Tali Ben-Ovadia, along with two VPs from the news division.
Despite the stated intention of maintaining a clear separation between the news and entertainment divisions, the new management has also influenced the newsroom, leading to the replacement of Neria Kraus and the departure of veteran anchor Eli Rachlin after over 20 years. The channel is now prioritizing entertainment programming, with the upcoming season of "HaAch HaGadol" (The Big Brother) set to premiere on the 24th of the month, featuring prominent contestants. The channel's management has reportedly expressed a strong emphasis on ratings, with internal directives urging employees to "sweat" to improve performance across all platforms.