Knesset Committee Approves Controversial Radio Reform Despite Professional Opposition

The Knesset's Economic Affairs Committee, chaired by MK David Bitan (Likud), approved the radio frequency reform led by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi (Likud) in a 5-2 vote despite strong opposition from professional bodies within the Ministry of Communications and the Finance Ministry's Budget Department. The reform transitions Israel's radio broadcasting from a regional commercial license system to a nationwide private radio license system for 18 years, starting in 2033. Until then, existing regional radio station licenses will be extended without payment.

The Ministry of Communications' Deputy Director of Broadcasting, Evitar Gutman, criticized the reform for significant legal and professional issues, warning it lacks a full professional foundation and could delay market competition. He also condemned the automatic, long-term license extensions for existing stations as economically unjustified and raised concerns about potential politicization of media regulation, given the minister's authority to decide tender criteria.

The Finance Ministry also opposed the bill, frustrated by the automatic seven-year license extensions granted to many regional stations, some linked to Likud or Karhi, without competitive bidding. MK Shelly Tal Miron (Yesh Atid) voiced concerns over this blanket extension, suggesting political motives. Bitan defended the extensions, citing COVID-19 and war impacts on station revenues and the need for preparation time before new tenders.

A last-minute amendment weakened protections for public broadcasting frequencies, changing a ban on frequency reduction that harms public broadcasts to only prohibit "material harm." This raises fears of frequency transfers from public broadcasters Kan 11 and Galei Tzahal to private entities. Kan CEO Golan Yokpaz opposed this change, warning it could damage public broadcasting despite his openness to competition.

The approved reform allows commercial radio nationwide from 2033 under a single 18-year license, with regulations on content and operations. The first tender will be published three years before current licenses expire, contingent on frequency availability. Tender criteria may include payment offers and quality or experience metrics, granting the Communications Minister significant influence over the process. Attempts to amend the bill by opposition parties were rejected before final approval.