The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is concerned that the independence of Israeli public broadcaster, KAN is under threat.
This follows remarks by Minister for Communications, Shlomo Karhi in which he challenged the freedom of the press and threatened to shut down KAN’s news operation.
In one radio interview, Mr Karhi (pictured) is reported as saying: “The public shouldn’t fund one particular channel; there should not be public broadcasting.”
Director General of the EBU, Noel Curran said without a functioning news operation, KAN would no longer meet its commitment to a full range of programing as a public service media, putting in doubt its eligibility for EBU membership and ability to take part in major events such as the Eurovision Song Contest.
“Independent news and information form an integral component of public service media organisations and make a key contribution to media pluralism in well-functioning democracies,” Mr Curran said.
“With the primary interest of the public, that directly funds KAN, in mind, we trust the new Government will also safeguard the independence of KAN and enable it to continue to fulfil its mission in a democratic society”.
He said the EBU’s responsibility was to ensure that it supported all its members in their mission to serve the interests of the general public in the best possible manner.
“These developments risk undermining KAN’s capability to meet its commitments as a member of our international alliance of public service media organisations,” Mr Curran said.
Jerusalem, 5 January 2023
