Journalist Roni Shachutzinsky Criticizes Channel 14 as Neither News Nor Journalism

Roni Shachutzinsky, a former News 13 anchor and current i24NEWS journalist, sharply criticized Channel 14 during an appearance on the Serugim podcast "Off the Record." He argued that Channel 14 fails to meet basic journalistic standards and is not a legitimate news outlet. Shachutzinsky explained his professional approach as an interviewer who challenges politicians across the spectrum without revealing his personal political leanings, emphasizing the importance of impartiality.

He expressed disappointment that many viewers who sought an alternative media home have found Channel 14, which he described bluntly as "not news and not journalism." Shachutzinsky also dismissed the addition of journalist Guy Maroz to Channel 14's "The Patriots" program as insufficient to balance the channel's overall partisan tone. He contrasted Channel 14’s lack of investigative reporting on right-wing figures with the more rigorous scrutiny seen on channels like Channel 10, 13, and i24NEWS.

Highlighting the rise in viewership for alternative news channels, Shachutzinsky noted i24NEWS’s recent record 2% audience share for its main news broadcast, signaling growing demand for genuine alternatives. He also shared his own career beginnings, encouraging young journalists to boldly reach out to major media outlets despite initial rejections.

The podcast continues to foster public debate about the state of Israeli media, with Shachutzinsky’s candid remarks expected to provoke further discussion among media professionals and the public.