Israeli TV Channels Criticized for Election Night Coverage Failures

Election night 2026 coverage across Israeli television channels was deemed difficult to watch and digest, failing to meet reality's demands. The article criticizes the lengthy, often contentious broadcasts, suggesting that the sheer volume of information and the tendency of anchors and pundits to engage in arguments rather than objective reporting overwhelmed viewers. The analysis focuses on specific failures, such as premature conclusions and loss of control during broadcasts.

Kan 11's election coverage began with a special episode of the satirical show "Kupa Rashit," featuring a character who threw a tomato at a fictional candidate. This led into a serious, innovative broadcast that maintained a somber tone throughout the night. The channel presented poll results, which showed a lead for Likud but also possibilities for Gadi Eisenkot to form a coalition, as political analysis rather than wishful thinking.

Channel 12's pre-broadcast included a satirical segment from "Eretz Nehederet," featuring impressions of politicians and a memorable scene involving a fictional MK Tali Gottlieb interacting with anchor Dana Weiss. The main broadcast featured a polished, Israeli-style studio with prominent figures like Amnon Abramovich and Lior Shlein. Anchor Yoni Levi was praised for her professionalism, though the panel dynamics, particularly involving Amit Segal, were noted for constant tension. The channel's coverage appeared to favor a narrative of no majority for the Netanyahu bloc, with reporters dispatched to various campaign headquarters to reflect this perceived outcome, which ultimately proved premature.

Reshet 13's broadcast combined what the article calls careless segments with a predetermined agenda, presenting poll results that showed a tie between blocs before vote counting began. The channel recycled comedy sketches from the show "HaYisraelim," which the author found outdated and unfunny. The coverage amplified the "anti-Netanyahu" narrative, with clear predictions favoring the "change bloc."

Channel 14 faced significant criticism from other outlets, with some downplaying its poll results. Despite this, the channel celebrated election night with enthusiasm, including a lengthy introduction for anchor Magi Tabibi. The broadcast heavily promoted a "told you so" narrative, with the "Patriots" program reportedly celebrating as if it were a reality show finale.

i24NEWS (Channel 15) was described as the most serious and professional, adopting an American studio model to bridge agendas and maintain factual reporting. Its poll, conducted by Tzuriell Sharon, was the closest to the actual results, with the channel positioning itself as a serious Israeli news source akin to Fox News.

The overarching failure of most TV channels was their inability to reflect reality unfiltered. The article argues that in an era of artificial intelligence, many channels manipulated information from their studios, disconnected from the public. This detachment led many viewers to tune out and go to sleep, finding the election coverage less engaging than a reality show. Channel 14 was singled out as the sole undisputed winner of election night, with its "Patriots" panel broadcasting live from the Likud headquarters, creating a celebratory atmosphere. The article concludes by noting that the day after the election, Reshet 13 aired an episode of "Survivor."