Channel 13 Suspends Host Eyal Berkovich Over Remarks
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Channel 13 suspended host Eyal Berkovich after he questioned the academic credentials of a newly elected official and referenced MK Ahmad Tibi during a broadcast. The channel deemed his remarks racist, sparking widespread debate and criticism from various public figures and media personalities. Berkovich's suspension occurs amidst internal tensions at the network, including a prior altercation with colleague Lucy Aharish. The future of Berkovich's show and his position at the channel remain uncertain.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Channel 13 suspended host Eyal Berkovich for questioning a public figure's doctorate and referencing MK Ahmad Tibi.
- The channel cited racist remarks and a violation of company values as reasons for the immediate suspension.
- MK Ahmad Tibi responded with criticism and an AI-generated image depicting Berkovich receiving a red card.
- Journalist Yinon Magal suggested a double standard in the media's treatment of right-wing figures.
- The incident follows a recent heated exchange between Berkovich and colleague Lucy Aharish.
Channel 13 has suspended host Eyal Berkovich following controversial remarks made during a broadcast. The incident occurred when correspondent Suliman Maswadeh reported on the election of Dr. Abdul Al-Sayed to the Senate in Michigan, a public figure known for anti-Israel stances. Berkovich deviated from the news discussion, scoffed, and publicly questioned Al-Sayed's academic credentials, also referencing MK Ahmad Tibi, stating, "Everyone is given the title of doctor. Did you check if he is a doctor? They also call Ahmad Tibi a doctor. Let him bring the certificate."
The channel swiftly disavowed the comments, labeling them as racist and contrary to the company's values. Berkovich was summoned for a clarification meeting, after which the suspension was issued. The decision has sparked widespread reactions across the political spectrum and media industry.
MK Ahmad Tibi initially responded with strong criticism, calling the broadcast "the racist trash bin of Channel 13." He later posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a referee showing Berkovich a red card, with the caption "Also a doctor and also Arab." Protest activist Dani Algratt also accused the channel's management and hosts of persistent, blatant racism.
Media figures engaged in a heated debate about television discourse. Radio host and journalist Dror Rafael criticized the broader trend, suggesting that "the entire media is Eyal Berkovich." Media personality Guy Maroz agreed but also pointed to perceived hypocrisy, questioning problematic figures like Ayla Hasson and "The Patriots" who he felt were not held to the same standard.
Conversely, Channel 14 journalist Yinon Magal questioned the legitimacy of the suspension, implying a double standard for right-leaning figures. He pondered if Berkovich would have faced the same consequence for questioning Michael Ben Ari's doctorate instead of Ahmad Tibi's, concluding, "No need to answer. Everything is clear."
The controversy comes at a turbulent time for Channel 13, which is reportedly facing internal turmoil. Days prior, Berkovich had a heated exchange with colleague Lucy Aharish, who called his and Moria Asraf's calls for a "Zionist government" racist. Berkovich retorted aggressively, leading to Aharish leaving the studio in tears. Maswadeh himself posted a cryptic message in Arabic on Instagram, "Every dog will have its day, one after another," before deleting it. Channel 13 now faces the challenge of determining the future of the broadcast and Berkovich's role at the station.
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