Israeli Public Broadcaster Considers Replacing 7 PM News Slot with Family Trivia Show
Israel's public broadcaster Kan 11 is exploring a strategic shift for its 7 PM programming slot, considering replacing the current news and current affairs segment with a family-friendly trivia game show. Previously hosted by journalist Ayala Hasson and more recently by economic reporter Liel Keizer from Sunday to Tuesday, the slot may soon feature a trivia show hosted by Shalmor Struzman, known for his work on "Good Evening with Guy Pines" and Galatz radio's leisure magazine. The new show is expected to premiere at the end of July and is already in pilot and filming stages.
The proposed format includes a 15-minute news bulletin followed by the trivia show, produced by Herzliya Studios for the broadcaster. Interestingly, the trivia format is adapted from Kan's Arabic-language division, marking a rare transition from Arabic to Hebrew programming. The broadcaster has yet to finalize how many days per week the show will air, with options ranging from Sunday to Wednesday or Sunday to Tuesday, potentially leaving some days for Hasson's broadcasts.
This move represents a significant strategic change for Kan 11, which aims to build a stable viewer base leading into prime-time news broadcasts. While the broadcaster has struggled with ratings in recent years, it has seen viewership spikes during major events like the World Cup and Eurovision. Kan hopes the new entertainment-focused content, including dramas, documentaries, and game shows like "The Upper Echelon," will attract audiences seeking escapism rather than current affairs.
The decision stands out in the Israeli TV landscape, where competitors such as Keshet 12, Reshet 13, Channel 14, and i24NEWS continue to air current affairs programs at 7 PM. Notably, a similar trivia show concept was considered by Reshet 13 during Emiliano Calemzuk's tenure but was never implemented. Kan 11 has not yet commented publicly on the potential programming change, nor have Hasson or Struzman.
Summary: Kan 11 is considering replacing its 7 PM current affairs slot with a family trivia game show hosted by Shalmor Struzman, aiming to attract new viewers and offer an alternative to competitors' news programs. The show is slated to launch at the end of July and will follow a brief news bulletin.
Points: - Kan 11 plans to replace its 7 PM news slot with a family trivia show hosted by Shalmor Struzman. - The new program is set to premiere at the end of July and is currently in pilot production. - The trivia format originates from Kan's Arabic-language broadcasts, now adapted for Hebrew audiences. - The 7 PM slot will start with a 15-minute news update before the trivia show. - The change aims to build a consistent viewer base ahead of prime-time news and offer escapism. - Competitors continue airing current affairs at 7 PM, making Kan's move unique in the market.
