Another small step towards the reinstatement of Arutz-7 was passed this week, as the Knesset voted on the first reading of a bill to authorize three additional nationwide radio stations. In a 47-17 vote, the Knesset voted to authorize the government to establish three radio stations for specific population sectors, such as hareidim, Yesha residents, and English-speakers. Communications Minister Ehud Olmert, in coordination with Prime Minister Sharon, proposed the legislation.
The bill must pass at least three hurdles, from Arutz-7's standpoint: One of the sectors must be Yesha-based; Arutz-7 or an associated body must win the tender; and the Supreme Court must approve, or at least not reject, the law. A Communications Ministry official said two months ago, when the bill was first proposed, that though there is no guarantee that Arutz-7 would win a tender for one of the stations, "We hope that Arutz-7 will win."
Israel currently has only two nationwide stations: IDF Army Radio, with two channels, and government-operated Voice of Israel, with approximately seven.
The bill must pass at least three hurdles, from Arutz-7's standpoint: One of the sectors must be Yesha-based; Arutz-7 or an associated body must win the tender; and the Supreme Court must approve, or at least not reject, the law. A Communications Ministry official said two months ago, when the bill was first proposed, that though there is no guarantee that Arutz-7 would win a tender for one of the stations, "We hope that Arutz-7 will win."
Israel currently has only two nationwide stations: IDF Army Radio, with two channels, and government-operated Voice of Israel, with approximately seven.