Veteran Broadcaster Uri Levy Reflects on Yinon Magal's Career Shift
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Veteran Israeli broadcaster Uri Levy stated he could have ended journalist Yinon Magal's career with a single comment during their time at the First Channel. Levy, who appointed Magal as a news anchor, recalled him as a quiet and statesmanlike figure then, contrasting with his current public persona. Levy expressed surprise at Magal's present-day conduct, noting a significant change from his earlier, apolitical broadcasting style.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Uri Levy said he could have destroyed Yinon Magal's career in a second.
- Levy appointed Magal as a news anchor for the First Channel's "Mabat" program.
- Levy described Magal as "the nicest guy on earth" during their time together.
- Levy expressed surprise at Magal's current public conduct and persona.
- Levy noted a significant shift in Magal's broadcasting style over the years.
Uri Levy, a prominent Israeli broadcaster and editor with a four-decade career at the First Channel and the "Kan" Broadcasting Corporation, recently shared his perspective on the evolution of journalist Yinon Magal. Levy, who began as a sports reporter and commentator, eventually moved into news, anchoring the "Mabat" news edition and covering major events like the Gulf War and the intifada. He also served as head of the First Channel's news division from 2004 to 2009, overseeing coverage of significant events such as the disengagement from Gaza and the Second Lebanon War.
In an interview on the "Sidur Hozor" podcast, Levy revealed that he appointed Magal as a news anchor for "Mabat" alongside Meirav Miller. Levy recalled an instance where he felt he could have ended Magal's career with a single broadcast comment, stating, "I could destroy Yinon Magal's career in a second." He described Magal at the time as "the nicest guy on earth," a "great person, very statesmanlike, very quiet, very calm," acknowledging that these descriptors might seem incongruous with Magal's current public persona.
When asked if Magal's current conduct surprised him, Levy affirmed that it did. "First of all, I've gotten used to it and yes, it surprises me. I can say that his conduct today surprises me. Zero politics on air, that's how it was. Yes, there is a different Yinon Magal today, no question about it," Levy stated, highlighting the significant shift in Magal's public presentation and approach to broadcasting.
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