Channel 13 Suspends Host Eyal Berkovich Over Controversial Remarks
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Channel 13 has suspended host Eyal Berkovich from broadcasting after he questioned Ahmad Tibi's doctoral degree on air. The decision followed a prior controversy where Berkovich was accused of racism by Lucy Aharish, whom he told to "calm down." The channel stated Berkovich's remarks were unacceptable and contrary to Israeli values. Meanwhile, a conflict is brewing at the Kan broadcaster between host Ayala Has-son and management.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Channel 13 suspended host Eyal Berkovich for questioning Ahmad Tibi's doctoral degree.
- Berkovich's remarks followed a prior racism accusation by Lucy Aharish.
- The channel cited Berkovich's comments as unacceptable and contrary to Israeli values.
- Berkovich declined to apologize for his earlier exchange with Aharish.
- A separate conflict is ongoing at the Kan broadcaster involving host Ayala Has-son.
Channel 13 (Reshet 13) has suspended host Eyal Berkovich from broadcasting following controversial statements made on his show. The decision, reported on November 8, stems from Berkovich questioning Ahmad Tibi's doctoral degree during the "Moriya and Berko" program. This incident appears to have been the final straw for channel management, especially given Berkovich's recent involvement in a scandal with presenter Lucy Aharish.
Aharish had accused Berkovich and his co-host, Moriya Asraf, of racism. Berkovich responded to Aharish by saying, "Calm down, you're not in the village here." Aharish demanded an apology and refused to appear on air, but Berkovich declined to apologize, though he later suggested his remark might have been "incorrect" and that "people went too far."
Channel 13 stated that while freedom of expression is a cornerstone of press freedom, it does not permit racist statements. The channel deemed the remarks made on "Moriya and Berko" unacceptable and contrary to Israeli societal values. Following a clarifying conversation with Berkovich, the immediate suspension from broadcasting was enacted.
Separately, a conflict is escalating at the Kan public broadcaster between popular host Ayala Has-son and the corporation's management.
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