Israeli Knesset Approves Nationwide Commercial Radio Broadcasting Law

The Israeli Knesset approved in its second and third readings a new law enabling commercial radio stations to broadcast nationwide without geographic restrictions. The legislation passed with 31 votes in favor and 17 against. Under the law, the Second Authority for Television and Radio will issue licenses for analog national radio broadcasts through public tenders. These licenses will be valid for 18 years, and existing content regulations will continue to apply to the new stations.

The law stipulates that tenders can only be published if the Frequency Committee confirms that frequencies can be allocated to at least two license holders and that removing a frequency from an existing nationwide broadcaster will not cause significant harm. Additionally, current regional licenses will be extended until December 31, 2032, allowing license holders time to prepare for the upcoming tenders.

This legislative change aims to expand commercial radio coverage across Israel while maintaining regulatory oversight and ensuring fair competition among broadcasters.