From the Liveblog of
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Coalition backs bill giving government control over broadcast media regulation; AG: Endangers free press
Jeremy Sharon is The Times of Israel’s legal affairs and settlements reporter
Controversial legislation that would give the government control over broadcast media regulation is approved by the Ministerial Committee for Legislation, meaning it will be backed by the coalition when it comes for its preliminary hearing in the Knesset plenum.
The legislation, advanced by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, would see the establishment of a new regulatory council controlled by the communications minister that would have the power to revoke the registration of broadcast media channels and news stations, impose heavy fines on content providers, and have an array of other authorities over broadcast media.
Karhi, one of the most far-right members of the Likud party, has claimed that the law would increase competition in the media market and reduce costs for content consumers.
“The monopolies and advocates of centralization did everything they could to stop this process. They wanted to preserve the existing situation, where the public pays more, receives less, and is controlled by powerful media outlets with regulatory immunity,” says Karhi following approval of his bill by the ministerial committee.
The bill can now be brought for its preliminary hearing in the Knesset as early as this Wednesday, although the current refusal of the ultra-Orthodox parties to back coalition legislation may delay its progress.
Shortly before its approval, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara stated in a legal position paper on the bill that it would enable “political interference in the work of broadcast bodies and endanger free press in Israel.”
The Times of Israel Community.