Israeli Broadcasting Reform Bill Advances After Free App Clause Removed

The Israeli Broadcasting Reform Bill, proposed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, was approved overnight for its second and third readings in the Knesset Communications Committee. The bill is expected to reach final approval in the Knesset plenum on Tuesday. The legislation aims to overhaul Israel's broadcasting sector by introducing a new regulatory authority and opening the market to competition.

A key provision for a free broadcasting app, intended to replace the "Idan Plus" system and consolidate Israeli broadcast channels, was removed from the bill following pressure from ultra-Orthodox parties. Instead, the existing "Idan Plus" system will continue operating, with its 25 million shekel operating cost deducted from the public broadcasting corporation's budget. An additional 25 million shekels will be cut from the corporation’s budget to fund the new council replacing the Second Authority for Television and Radio.

The bill also limits mandatory broadcast transmission obligations to established channels currently subject to this requirement, excluding other commercial channels. Opposition lawmakers criticized the removal of the free app clause, arguing it would have benefited the public. MK Shelly Tal-Miron (Yesh Atid) expressed concern over the rushed process and lack of detailed economic analysis, noting the budget cuts were not clearly justified.

The bill faced legal challenges in the Supreme Court, with petitions seeking to freeze the legislative process due to procedural flaws, including advancing the bill without the Attorney General’s endorsement. The court has yet to rule, but historically rarely intervenes before legislation is finalized. The committee’s legal advisor, Adv. Pinchas Gerot, acknowledged several legal difficulties and called for more substantive discussion on recent amendments.

The reform includes abolishing cross-ownership bans and structural separation between channel owners and news companies, while mandating investment in Israeli original productions. However, international companies are exempt from these requirements. Critics argue the bill threatens free media by favoring certain channels like Channel 14 and i24NEWS and lacks safeguards to protect news producers’ independence from political and economic pressures.