Israeli Journalist Refuses to Read Forced Apology on Air
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Israeli journalist Ayala Hasson refused to read a pre-written apology on Kan-11's "Sheva" program on November 4th, leading to a conflict with news management. Management demanded she apologize for remarks about Bedouin women and clarify election violation claims in their exact wording. Hasson stated the text was humiliating and distorted her views, accusing management of selective discipline. The dispute stemmed from comments about Bedouin women and alleged election irregularities in the Arab sector. It remains unclear when Hasson will return to her program.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Journalist Ayala Hasson refused to read a pre-approved apology on Kan-11, leading to a broadcast absence.
- Kan news management demanded Hasson read specific wording about Bedouin women and election claims.
- Hasson called the required text humiliating and accused management of selective disciplinary actions.
- The conflict arose from comments on Bedouin women's issues and alleged election irregularities.
- Hasson had previously apologized on social media for her remarks on Bedouin women.
- It is currently unknown when Hasson will resume hosting her program.
Ayala Hasson, a prominent Israeli journalist and host of the program "Sheva" on Kan-11, announced she would not appear on air on Wednesday, November 4th, due to a dispute with the management of the Kan public broadcasting corporation's news division. Management had demanded she publicly apologize for remarks made about Bedouin women and clarify statements concerning alleged irregularities at polling stations in the Arab sector. According to Ynet, the news division's leadership presented Hasson with an ultimatum: deliver an apology and clarification in wording pre-approved by the editorial team, or be barred from hosting her program.
Hasson stated that the director of Kan's news service, Lior Landenberg, had sent her a prepared text via WhatsApp the previous day, which she was instructed to read verbatim. She described the document as distorting her original statements and being humiliating. "We will not meet on air tonight," Hasson informed viewers, asserting that while news directors can edit and critique, they cannot force an employee to read a statement as if it were voluntary.
Hasson also accused the corporation's management of applying disciplinary measures selectively, noting that other journalists had made offensive remarks about IDF soldiers and various societal groups on Kan without facing similar demands. The conflict originated from an interview Hasson gave to Galei Israel radio, where she discussed the election results. She commented on Bedouin women in the Negev, suggesting many experience domestic violence and their husbands practice polygamy, questioning their alignment with the bloc advocating for political change. These remarks drew sharp criticism from public organizations and the Bedouin community.
Hasson published an apology on X on November 2nd, stating no offense was intended. The Public Broadcasting Corporation's ethics committee accepted the apology, and the corporation itself apologized to Bedouin women. The second point of contention involved Hasson's statements about alleged violations at polling stations in the Arab sector during the October 27th elections. Kan's management claimed her words could imply widespread irregularities across all Arab polling stations, whereas witnesses she cited spoke of isolated incidents. The news service stated such generalizations lack factual basis and could undermine public trust in election results. Management demanded Hasson clarify both sets of remarks live on air, but she refused to do so in the manner prescribed, feeling she was forced to choose between reading the dictated text or being suspended.
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