Full Breakdown
Acquisition of Channel 13: A Shift Towards Independence in Israeli Media
3/14/2026, 9:19:52 PM
Key Details of the Acquisition
Billionaire Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries has signed a memorandum of understanding to sell control of Channel 13 to the Merit Foundation, a group led by Assaf Rappaport, co-founder of the tech company Wiz. This agreement follows Blavatnik's earlier acceptance of an offer from a consortium led by telecom businessman Patrick Drahi, known for his support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The initial deal raised concerns among critics regarding potential government influence over media outlets. The tech group asserts that their acquisition will ensure Channel 13's editorial independence and aims to foster digital innovation within the station.
Financial Context and Challenges
Channel 13 has faced significant financial difficulties, reportedly losing approximately NIS 340 million (around $110 million) from 2022 to 2025, with projections indicating an additional loss of NIS 250 million ($80 million) by 2027 if no turnaround occurs. The Merit Foundation plans to invest about $120 million to revitalize the struggling channel. Sources suggest that the decision to initially accept Drahi's offer was influenced more by regulatory and political pressures than by financial considerations.
Concerns Over Media Independence
The transition of ownership to the Merit Foundation is seen as a critical step towards safeguarding journalistic independence in Israel. The tech group emphasized the need for a strong, independent news channel, stating, “The citizens of Israel deserve an independent, patriotic, and strong news channel.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among media observers about the potential for political meddling in news coverage, particularly in light of past allegations that journalists at Channel 13 faced repercussions for criticizing the government.
Criticism of Government Influence
Messages reportedly communicated to Blavatnik indicated that a sale to the tech group would encounter bureaucratic delays orchestrated by the government, while a transfer of shares to Drahi would be expedited. This has raised alarms among unions and media advocates, who feared that the Drahi deal could lead to significant layoffs and further compromise the channel's editorial integrity.
Official Statements & Responses
The Merit Foundation has expressed its commitment to securing Channel 13's future and enhancing its editorial independence. They stated, “By backing Merit, we are making resources and energy available that have never before been seen in an Israeli television channel.” This acquisition is positioned as a proactive measure to counteract perceived threats to media freedom in Israel.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Merit Foundation’s acquisition of Reshet 13 secures the channel’s future and its absolute editorial independence,” — Assaf Rappaport, Co-founder of Wiz
- “The citizens of Israel deserve an independent, patriotic, and strong news channel,” — Merit Foundation Statement
The acquisition of Channel 13 by the Merit Foundation marks a significant moment in Israeli media, with implications for journalistic independence and the future of news coverage in the country.
