Ayelet Hasson Resigns from Public Broadcasting Corporation, Citing Censorship
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Journalist Ayelet Hasson has resigned from the Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan), alleging censorship and a desire to appease a specific political faction. She cited an ultimatum to read a dictated apology as a key reason for her departure, asserting it undermined journalistic independence. Hasson vowed to continue her mission of amplifying diverse voices and questioning difficult issues. She has not yet announced her next professional move but expects to return to television soon.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ayelet Hasson resigned from Kan, citing censorship and appeasement of a political camp.
- She claimed an ultimatum to read a dictated apology violated journalistic independence.
- Hasson stated public broadcasting should represent all citizens, not favor one group.
- She vowed to continue her journalistic mission of asking tough questions and amplifying unheard voices.
- Hasson has not yet decided on her next professional role but plans to return to television.
Journalist and presenter Ayelet Hasson announced her departure from the Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan), accusing the organization of silencing voices and compromising journalistic independence. Hasson stated she would not be part of a system that silences "great voices in the nation" to appease a specific political camp. She explained that she remained with Kan out of a belief in the importance of presenting diverse viewpoints, especially in a public broadcaster that should represent all segments of Israeli society. However, she felt that over time, the organization prioritized appeasing a certain camp, even at the expense of suppressing other voices.
Hasson cited a recent ultimatum from the News Division Director, Lior Landenberg, who allegedly demanded she read a dictated apology on air as a condition for continuing her program. She viewed this as a symptom of a deeper problem and a blow to journalistic independence. Hasson emphasized that the issue was not personal but rather an attempt to silence a segment of the public that funds public broadcasting and deserves to have its voice heard, even when inconvenient for management.
She asserted that public broadcasting belongs to all Israeli citizens and should not be used to favor one camp over another. Hasson stated she stayed as long as she believed she could fulfill her journalistic mission independently and without fear. While leaving the corporation, she vowed to continue her journalistic mission, asking difficult questions and amplifying voices that others prefer to ignore.
Hasson expressed gratitude for public support, which reinforced her belief that the struggle for free expression is larger than her. She promised to continue fighting for the right of an entire public to be heard, asserting that true democracy cannot exist where free speech is censored or where certain individuals believe they can dictate what is said.
Regarding her future, Hasson indicated she has received many offers but has not yet decided on her next professional role, assuring viewers she would be back on screen soon. Earlier in the day, Hasson received a warm reception at a conference hosted by the Zionist Leadership Foundation, contrasting the public's support with criticism she faced online. This reception followed a public controversy over remarks she made about Bedouin women and election results, for which she had issued an apology. The corporation denied dictating an apology, stating that drafts were exchanged.
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