Ayelet Hasson Departs Public Broadcasting Corporation Citing Censorship

Journalist Ayelet Hasson announced on Tuesday her decision to leave the Public Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), citing attempts to silence voices and undermine journalistic independence. Hasson stated she would not be part of a system that seeks to silence significant segments of the Israeli public to appease a particular camp. She linked her departure to recent events, particularly an ultimatum demanding she read a dictated apology on air, which she described as a manifestation of broader issues within the PBC.

Hasson explained that she remained with the corporation out of a deep belief in the importance of presenting diverse viewpoints, seeing it as a journalistic and public mission to give expression to all parts of Israeli society. However, she increasingly recognized a desire within the PBC to please a specific faction, even at the expense of marginalizing other voices.

She emphasized that her departure is not a personal struggle but rather about the attempt to silence a segment of the public that funds public broadcasting and deserves to have its voice heard, even when inconvenient for those in charge. Hasson asserted that public broadcasting belongs to all Israeli citizens and should not be used to favor one camp over another.

Hasson clarified that while she is leaving the PBC, she remains committed to her journalistic mission, her viewers, and her duty to ask difficult questions and amplify voices that others prefer to ignore. She expressed gratitude for the thousands of messages of support she received, which reinforced her belief that the struggle extends beyond her personal situation. Hasson concluded by stating her professional future is open, having received numerous offers, and expressed confidence that she will return to the screen soon.