Israeli Broadcaster Battles Song Creators Over Commercial Use of Eurovision Hit

The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan) is reportedly preparing legal action against the creators of the song "Michel," which represented Israel at Eurovision and secured second place, over its unauthorized commercial use in a new Bezeq advertising campaign. The creators, including singer Noam Batun, had previously signed an agreement with Kan explicitly prohibiting any commercial exploitation of the song's lyrics, melody, or name.

Despite Kan's firm refusal to permit commercialization, the creators allegedly proceeded to sell the song's melody to Bezeq for hundreds of thousands of shekels. The advertising campaign is set to feature actor Assi Cohen, reprising his comedic persona "Dedi Dedon," performing the song's melody. Kan argues that songs representing Israel at Eurovision are not ordinary works but carry national significance and should not be commercialized, a stance that has been upheld in recent years.

Kan's legal team sent a letter to the creators' attorneys expressing shock at the sale, emphasizing that the creators acted in bad faith by pursuing the deal with Bezeq after Kan had already rejected their request for commercial use. The broadcaster claims the creators presented Kan with a fait accompli, initiating their request only after negotiations with Bezeq were nearly complete. Kan also noted that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees Eurovision, was unaware of the intended commercialization.

Kan maintains that commercializing the song, even just its melody, could create an improper association between Eurovision and commercial entities, potentially harming the Eurovision brand and Kan itself. The broadcaster stated it would not compromise on this issue and reserves the right to sue for damages. Kan declined to comment further, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.