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Israel's Second Authority Launches Probe Against Radio Station Over Host's Remarks
Israel's Second Authority for Television and Radio has launched an infringement proceeding against radio station 103FM following controversial remarks made by host Yinon Magal. The regulatory body announced its decision on Thursday, citing violations of ethical broadcasting rules and election laws.
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What happened
- 01Israel's Second Authority for Television and Radio launched an investigation against 103FM over host Yinon Magal's remarks.
- 02During an October 6 broadcast, Magal attacked contributors to a book critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- 03Magal called the contributors, who included bereaved families and relatives of hostages, "abhorrent" and "despicable."
- 04The broadcaster urged listeners and those on the list to vote for the Likud party to receive forgiveness.
- 05The regulatory body cited violations of ethical broadcasting rules and election laws due to Magal's remarks.
- 06The list of names read on air included Ofri Bibas Levy, Einav Tsengauker, and Eyal Eshel.
- 07Magal later apologized to the hostage families, claiming he did not mean to target them specifically.
During a broadcast on Tuesday, October 6, the eve of the national memorial day for the October 7 attacks, Magal launched a vitriolic attack against contributors to a book critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, titled "Mr. Abandonment." Magal read a list of contributors, which included bereaved families and relatives of hostages held by Hamas, calling them "abhorrent," "abominable," and "the most despicable people living in the State of Israel."
Magal asserted that the only way for those on the list to find forgiveness would be to vote for Netanyahu's Likud party in the elections. Among the names he read were Ofri Bibas Levy, sister of hostage Yarden Bibas; Einav Tsengauker, mother of hostage Matan; and Eyal Eshel, whose daughter Roni was killed at Nachal Oz.
The Second Authority determined that Magal's statements exceeded legitimate criticism and constituted an offensive, abusive attack. Magal later apologized to the hostage families, claiming he had not intended to include them in his remarks, though he did not retract his broader criticism.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 7 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Israel Hayom. Read Israel Hayom’s original
The coverage
7 newsrooms on this story
Who covered it
- Left1
- Centre1
- Right2
- HarediNone
- ArabNone
- Other3
