From European Broadcasting Union: Privatizing Kan could jeopardize Eurovision participation, restrict World Cup coverage access
The European Broadcasting Union, organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest, sends a letter to lawmakers expressing “deep concern” over government plans to privatize the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation.
“Such a move would not only jeopardize Israel’s media landscape but could also have significant ramifications for the country’s democratic foundations and international reputation,” the letter to the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee reads.
“Shutting down the IPBC, taking control or reducing its budget, would signal a departure from the standards upheld by democratic nations worldwide and risk eroding not only domestic confidence but also International credibility,” the letter states.
“[Kan’s] membership of the EBU provides Israelis with significant benefits, including a role in key international events such as the Eurovision Song Contest – the best performing TV show in Israel last year – and access to major sports rights, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, ensuring free-to-air coverage for all Israelis,” the letter reads. “Kan’s active participation in the international creative industry has showcased Israel’s talent, culture, and innovation to the world.”
“Privatizing the IPBC would jeopardize this relationship and almost certainly lead to Kan’s exclusion from our Union, diminishing the nation’s role in key events and restricting Israeli citizens access to such content,” the EBU says.
The EBU also noted that Kan`s coverage of the Hamas onslaught on October 7, 2023, was the most widely distributed news footage via their news exchange.
“Weakening or dismantling this institution could lead to a vacuum in reliable news dissemination, both domestically and internationally,” the EBU warns.
