Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation Condemns Presenter Ayla Hasson Amid Dispute
Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba
The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan) has issued a sharp condemnation of its presenter, Ayla Hasson, over her recent remarks concerning Bedouin women and alleged election irregularities. Kan rejected Hasson's claim that she was forced to read a dictated apology, stating that drafts were exchanged and she withdrew voluntarily. The corporation defended its deputy director of news against threats and affirmed its commitment to journalistic integrity while denouncing generalizations and unsubstantiated claims that could erode public trust.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Kan strongly condemned presenter Ayla Hasson for her recent statements about Bedouin women and alleged election irregularities.
- The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation rejected Hasson's claim that her apology wording was dictated to her.
- Hasson alleged the news director gave her an ultimatum to read a statement that distorted her words.
- Kan affirmed full support for Deputy Director Lior Landenberg amidst threats and incitement.
- The corporation warned that Hasson's statements could harm communities and undermine trust in elections.
The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC), known as Kan, issued a strong statement on Saturday condemning presenter Ayla Hasson amidst an ongoing dispute with the news division's management. Kan denounced Hasson's recent remarks towards the corporation's executives and rejected her claim that she was dictated an apology. Hasson had alleged that her words regarding Bedouin women and alleged irregularities at polling stations in the Arab sector were misrepresented.
"Kan, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, strongly condemns Ayla Hasson's severe statements yesterday and in recent days towards the corporation and its managers, including baseless accusations of 'inciting an attack' against her and using offensive nicknames," the corporation stated. Kan also addressed threats and incitement directed at Lior Landenberg, Deputy Director of the News Division, over the weekend, affirming their full and unequivocal support for him and his professional decisions.
The corporation refuted Hasson's version of events concerning the required on-air apology. "Contrary to Ms. Hasson's claims, no one 'dictated' the wording of her response. Drafts were exchanged in writing between the parties, until Hasson announced on her own initiative, on social media, that she would not appear on air," Kan said.
The conflict erupted after the news division management demanded Hasson clarify and apologize on air for her statements about women in the Bedouin community and her claims of irregularities at polling stations in the Arab sector. Hasson asserted that the news director presented her with an ultimatum, demanding she read a statement that she claimed distorted her words. Consequently, she announced she would not host her program.
Kan emphasized its commitment to freedom of the press and diversity of opinions but stated it would not tolerate generalizing, offensive remarks or unsubstantiated accusations questioning the integrity of elections in Israel. "Presenting suspicions of irregularities at polling stations, as if they occurred at all polling stations in the Arab sector, alongside generalizing and offensive statements towards women in the Bedouin society, exceeds the boundaries of legitimate journalistic discourse and the standards required of responsible journalism in general, and the public broadcasting corporation in particular," the statement read. The corporation also warned that such statements could harm entire communities and undermine public trust in the democratic process and election results in Israel.
