Ayla Hasun Controversy Exposes Deeper Issues at Kan News
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
A controversy involving broadcaster Ayla Hasun has highlighted perceived deep-seated issues at Kan News, including a lack of competition and political considerations among management. The columnist criticizes the news division for underperforming and lacking balance, while defending Hasun's journalistic contributions and right-leaning views. Hasun reportedly refused to apologize and will not continue her program, drawing parallels to the silencing of dissenting opinions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ayla Hasun refused to apologize and will not continue her program amid a controversy at Kan News.
- A columnist argues the Hasun incident reveals deeper problems of political influence and ego at Kan News.
- Kan News's current affairs programs are losing viewers to competitors, according to the report.
- The article criticizes Kan News for a lack of balanced reporting and excluding certain political groups.
- Hasun, described as right-leaning, is portrayed as a target for criticism and silenced for her views.
A controversy surrounding broadcaster Ayla Hasun has revealed what a columnist describes as a significant problem within Kan News, the news division of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. Hasun reportedly refused her managers' demand to issue a public apology on air and announced she would not continue her program. The columnist argues that this incident is merely a symptom of a much deeper issue within the corporation's news division.
According to the report, Kan's current affairs programs are losing viewership to competing channels, not because they are more insightful or critical, but because they are less successful. The author suggests that the events involving Hasun and a tweet by another figure indicate a lack of awareness among managers, mixed with political considerations and inflated egos, stemming from a lack of competition and drive for achievement. These programs, funded by taxpayers, operate in a comfortable environment without external pressure or accountability, catering to mediocre individuals who share similar views and do not strive to create engaging content.
The public's indifference to the perceived waste of funds at Kan News is attributed to the general acceptance of state-funded bodies that often fail to deliver tangible benefits. The columnist posits that Kan News serves as an income and pension arrangement for employees, some of whom were unsuccessful in joining other networks or lack the necessary on-air presence or output. The report criticizes Kan News for its lack of balanced reporting, claiming it excludes certain populations, such as supporters of Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Likud party.
In contrast, Ayla Hasun is portrayed as a broadcaster who offers a more diverse perspective and has a history of impactful journalistic exposés. Despite potential criticisms of her anchoring skills, her dedication and talent are acknowledged. The article suggests Hasun, identified as right-leaning, has become an easy target for criticism, employing what the author calls "modern Bolshevism" and forceful methods to impose a uniform opinion. The lack of support from her colleagues is noted, contrasting her situation with that of Eyal Berkovich, who was suspended for substantive reasons, while Hasun was silenced for deviating from the established line.
