Israeli TV Channels Spend Millions on Election Coverage Amidst Declining Viewership
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Israeli television channels are spending tens of millions of shekels on election night coverage, despite declining viewership trends. Major expenses include exit polls, on-site reporting, advanced graphics, and significant personnel costs. While channels are investing in new technologies and differentiating their programming, public interest has waned, raising questions about the return on investment. The coverage culminates in the release of exit polls at 10 PM, followed by marathon reporting of the official vote count.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli TV channels are spending tens of millions of shekels on election night coverage.
- Exit polls represent one of the largest expenses, costing 1 million shekels or more.
- Viewership for election broadcasts has declined significantly since 2021.
- Channels are investing in advanced technologies like augmented reality for their coverage.
- Channel 16 claims its exit poll will be the largest, using 85 ballot boxes.
Israeli television channels are investing tens of millions of shekels in election night coverage, despite a noticeable decline in public interest in such broadcasts. The total cost for election night across all channels is estimated to reach tens of millions of shekels, covering both news broadcasts and related programming. While past productions sometimes exceeded 8 million shekels, recent election cycles have led to budget cuts, with current investments in news broadcasts averaging 4-5 million shekels.
The significant expenditure is divided into four main categories. The largest is the exit poll, which can cost 1 million shekels or more, involving physical ballot boxes and dedicated surveyors. Channels opting out of physical ballot boxes and relying solely on phone surveys save considerable amounts but offer a less comprehensive format. Another major expense is the on-site coverage of party headquarters and outdoor broadcasts, with costs ranging from hundreds of thousands to potentially 1 million shekels for elaborate setups. Technology and graphics, including augmented reality and infographics to visualize mandate distribution and coalition scenarios, also account for hundreds of thousands of shekels. Finally, personnel costs, including freelancers and overtime pay, are substantial, as election day is a holiday with 200% pay, and hundreds of employees work around the clock.
Election day broadcasts are designed as extensive, synchronized mega-events, running from early morning into the next day. Channels deploy dozens of reporting stations, correspondents, and teams nationwide, focusing on party headquarters and key polling stations. Advanced visual technologies, including augmented reality, will be used to present real-time data and coalition scenarios. The climax of the night is the simultaneous release of major TV exit polls at 10 PM, followed by marathon coverage of the official vote count.
However, viewership data from the 2022 elections shows a decline, with total viewership on the three main channels dropping from 50.5% in March 2021 to about 40% in November 2022. This raises questions about whether the public will return to these broadcasts or if the trend of moving towards social media will continue.
Each channel is attempting to differentiate its coverage. Kan 11 emphasizes multi-platform synergy and infrastructure efficiency, utilizing existing studios and advanced data processing. Channel 14 is positioning itself as "the largest election studio in Israel" with advanced technology and its own exit poll. i24NEWS, in its first election broadcast, is focusing on "hardcore" news coverage without entertainment or satire, offering international broadcasts in multiple languages and a "combined poll" using various collection methods. Channel 16 claims its exit poll will be the largest, based on 85 ballot boxes compared to an estimated 70 for competitors.
