Journalist Slams Channel 12's 'Studio Friday' as Toxic
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Journalist Ran Boker has labeled Channel 12's "Studio Friday" program and its editor Ron Yaron as "toxic" for alienating viewers and negatively impacting host Dani Kushmaro. Boker criticized the show's coverage of Ofakim residents, suggesting it was hurtful and disconnected. The controversy was ignited by Kushmaro's remarks on the voting patterns of Ofakim residents who suffered heavy losses on October 7th but voted for right-wing parties. This drew criticism from Boker and others, including Channel 14's Yinon Magal.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Journalist Ran Boker called Channel 12's "Studio Friday" one of Israel's most toxic TV programs.
- Boker criticized host Dani Kushmaro for making hurtful remarks to grieving Ofakim residents.
- He blamed editor Ron Yaron for the program's perceived agenda and alienation of viewers.
- The controversy involves Kushmaro's comments on Ofakim residents' voting patterns after October 7th.
- Yinon Magal also criticized Kushmaro's selective focus on voting patterns.
Journalist Ran Boker has sharply criticized Channel 12's "Studio Friday" program and its editor, Ron Yaron, calling it one of the most toxic shows on Israeli television. Boker argued that the program alienates segments of the public who do not share the editorial stance, potentially eroding viewer trust in the channel.
Boker specifically pointed to the program's host, Dani Kushmaro, suggesting that "Studio Friday" has negatively impacted his public image. He stated, "In my personal opinion, 'Studio Friday' is one of the most toxic programs on Israeli television. Otherwise, I have no explanation for how it managed to turn Dani Kushmaro, one of the most beloved, popular, and Zionist people in the eyes of many, into someone who says hurtful things to people who have lost their dearest ones just because they don't think like him. It turned viewers who think differently into enemies."
Boker attributed significant responsibility to editor Ron Yaron, stating, "Yaron is an active partner and responsible for a large part of Kushmaro's texts. This program has long ceased to be merely an expression of an agenda, but rather a revulsion towards those who think differently. Instead of asking how to regain public trust, Yaron is pushing the program to a point of no return and Channel 12 towards the abyss."
He contrasted "Studio Friday" with other efforts by Channel 12 to present a more balanced perspective, citing hosts like Evri Sharki and the trio of Ofira, Sari, and Ohana. Boker recalled Channel 12's past attempts to represent the "common person" and suggested that Yaron's editorial direction deviates from this, particularly in its treatment of residents from Ofakim who voted differently. He referenced a letter of protest from the mayor of Ofakim, asserting that the program attacks residents as if they were puppets, calling the producers "disconnected" and advising them to "get off the trees," as viewers are not foolish.
The controversy stems from Kushmaro's implicit criticism of voting patterns in Ofakim's Mishor HaGafen neighborhood, where 33 residents were killed on October 7th, yet approximately 65% voted for right-wing blocs. This observation sparked strong reactions online and among public figures. Yinon Magal, host of Channel 14's "The Patriots," also criticized Kushmaro's framing, questioning why similar scrutiny was not applied to voting patterns in Gaza border kibbutzim where residents continued to vote for parties perceived as aligned with those unable to condemn Hamas.
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