Ayala Hasson Resigns from Kan 11 Citing Censorship
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Journalist Ayala Hasson has resigned from Kan 11, citing censorship and the silencing of voices. She stated she would not be part of a system appeasing a specific political camp and felt her journalistic independence was compromised by a demand to read a dictated apology. The resignation follows a dispute over her controversial remarks regarding the Bedouin community and Arab sector polling stations. Hasson vowed to continue her journalistic mission and return to broadcasting soon.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Journalist Ayala Hasson resigned from Kan 11 citing censorship and silencing of voices.
- Hasson stated she would not be part of a system appeasing a specific political camp.
- She felt her journalistic independence was compromised by a demand to read a dictated apology.
- The resignation follows a dispute over her controversial remarks about the Bedouin community.
- Hasson vowed to continue her journalistic mission and return to broadcasting soon.
Journalist Ayala Hasson announced her departure from the public broadcasting corporation Kan 11, stating she would not be part of a system that silences voices to appease a specific camp. Hasson explained her decision in a detailed post to viewers, asserting that while she initially stayed with the corporation out of a sense of mission, she observed a sidelining of free speech and diverse opinions. The final straw, she said, was an ultimatum to read a dictated apology on air, which she felt compromised journalistic independence. Hasson emphasized that public broadcasting belongs to all citizens, not a single faction, and vowed to continue her work, promising to return to the screen soon.
The resignation follows a public dispute between Hasson and the news division's management, led by Lior Landenberg. The conflict escalated after Hasson made controversial remarks on Galei Israel radio concerning Bedouin women and alleged failures in Arab sector polling stations. The news management deemed these statements to be generalizations and unfounded accusations against the integrity of the elections.
According to Hasson, the news management presented her with a dictated apology as a condition for broadcasting, revealing WhatsApp exchanges that indicated alternative programming would be prepared if she refused. She also criticized the corporation's leadership in a radio interview, alleging double standards and selective enforcement compared to other journalists who made controversial statements. The corporation, however, rejected her claims, condemned her remarks, and fully backed Landenberg against what they described as incitement. Kan 11 stated that apology drafts were exchanged to reach an agreement, but Hasson chose not to broadcast on her own initiative. The dispute has now concluded with her resignation.
