For the first time, the near-monopoly held by the left on Israel's media could be broken, thanks to legislation being pursued by MK Ofer Akunis (Likud) that would revolutionize the structure of Israel's electronic media, particularly TV broadcasts.
Akunis, head of the Knesset Economics Committee, plans to begin discussions Monday of a law that would award broadcast licenses to any individual or organization that qualified – as opposed to the current system, where the government auctions off a franchise, with only two private stations available for TV broadcasts.
Akunis said he plans to complete hearings on the law, and prepare it for a Knesset vote, no later than November 30. The legislation will deal with broadcasts by non-government broadcasters, but after ensuring passage of the current law, Akunis said that "we will turn our attention to the Israel Broadcast Authority," the government-run body that operates Channel 1, Reshet Bet (Channel 2), and other radio and television stations.
The new system will allow any individual or organization that fits the criteria for "proper broadcast sta
The new system will allow any individual or organization that fits the criteria for 'proper broadcast standards' - standards that will be spelled out in the legislation – to apply for a license, without being forced to compete with moneyed media consortiums for limited franchises.
ndards" - standards that will be spelled out in the legislation – to apply for a license, without being forced to compete with moneyed media consortiums for limited franchises. As a result, the number of available broadcast licenses will increase, enabling a greater variety of views and opinion to reach the air waves. If passed into law during the upcoming Knesset session – a result Akunis is pushing for – the legislation would take effect in 2012.
In addition to opening up the broadcast TV licensing procedure, the legislation would allow cable and satellite broadcasters Hot and Yes to sell advertising. Both providers would also be required to allow subscribers to order a limited number of stations at a lower price than full subscribers.
Akunis added that the standards for granting licenses would be clear and strict. "I believe we must be very careful not to grant licenses to operators who will be a danger to the state, or who do not support Israel as a Jewish and Zionist state," he told reporters.
The legislation is largely based on a study authored by former Communications Ministry director-general Mordechai Mordechai, who headed a committee appointed by former Communications Minister Ariel Attias (currently Housing Minister). The Mordechai Committee report recommended a wide range of reforms.
According to Akunis, the new reforms would open up the communications market in Israel, enabling more voices to be heard, ensuring a greater freedom of expression for all segments of the population. Current Communications Minister Moshe Kachlon said that "the reforms will strengthen the broadcast market in Israel. The reform is important because it will improve the standing of Israeli content creators and open new economic markets for licensees."
Several media experts said that the new system could finally enable authentic voices from the right to get their point across to Israelis without interference by broadcasters whose political leanings affect the way they present information to TV audiences.