New Israeli Channel 16 Faces Claims of Delayed Payments to Staff
Israeli media outlet Channel 16 is facing allegations of delayed payments to employees and service providers less than six months after its launch. Freelancers claim they have waited weeks for payment, leading some photographers to refuse assignments. The channel attributes the issues to a "specific technical delay" and states all payments will be made, while also emphasizing its continued growth and hiring.
הידיעה ב-5 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Channel 16 faces claims of delayed payments to employees and service providers.
- Freelancers report waiting weeks for payments, impacting operations.
- The channel attributes the issues to a "specific technical delay."
- Channel 16 states all payments will be made and denies salary delays.
- The channel claims to employ over 365 people and continues hiring.
Less than six months after its high-profile launch, Israeli media outlet Channel 16 is reportedly facing allegations of delayed payments to employees and service providers. The channel, which reportedly invested millions of shekels and hired hundreds of media professionals, is also said to be reducing camera crew shifts and facing concerns about its financial management.
According to a report in "TheMarker," freelance photographers and other service providers claim they have been waiting weeks for payment. One employee stated that on a recent Wednesday, some photographers refused to go out on assignments due to the payment delays, forcing the channel to film some segments using mobile phones. While some photographers reportedly received their overdue payments on Thursday, others are still awaiting funds.
In addition to payment issues, the number of field photographers has been reduced, and studio camera shifts have also been significantly cut. Freelancers expressed frustration, with one stating, "They tell us it's coming soon, that it's today, that it was deposited and to check if it arrived. We check and nothing arrives." However, the same employee acknowledged that there had been no prior payment problems, suggesting this might be an isolated technical issue.
Concerns have also been raised about the channel's overall financial strategy, with one employee noting that a new channel shouldn't face difficulties within its first three months. The employee described a shift from an initial period of aggressive expansion and spending to a more subdued operational mode. "It's okay to reorganize, but not paying is another story. Many people here are very worried about their future," the employee added.
Channel 16, which broadcasts online and is available on most multi-channel TV platforms except HOT, does not participate in audience ratings. The channel invested millions of shekels in renovating the former Educational Television studios in Tel Aviv.
In response to the report, Channel 16 stated, "There is no truth to the claims of payment delays to the channel's freelancers, and salaries have never been delayed at the channel. In the current case, there was a specific technical delay in payments to some freelancers, and the matter is being handled and will be resolved soon. All payments due to the channel's staff will be paid in full."
The channel also added, "It is important to clarify that this is an internal issue between the channel and its service providers, and there is no place to manage it in a discussion with external parties or journalists. The channel currently employs over 365 people and continues to hire people daily from all Israeli media organizations, and even collaborates with major production companies in Israel. Anyone who feels uncomfortable is welcome to go work elsewhere."