Government Extension of Second Authority’s Chairmanship Amid Controversy Over New Communications Minister Nominee
Overview of Leadership Changes in the Second Authority
The Israeli government is poised to vote this Sunday on extending the term of Mordechai Mordechai as chair of the Second Authority for Television and Radio along with four other council members. This extension comes amid preparations for the establishment of a new council, which was initially expected to be operational by January.
Appointment of Dr. Yifat Ben-Hai Segav as Communications Minister
Communications Minister Shlomo Karai submitted his list of council nominees to the Dothan Committee weeks ago but has yet to disclose it publicly. Recently, Karai confirmed in an interview that his candidate for chair of the Second Authority is Dr. Yifat Ben-Hai Segav. Notably, Ben-Hai Segav previously served as director of News 13, a regulated entity by the Second Authority, without observing a cooling-off period.
Controversies Surrounding Ben-Hai Segav’s Candidacy
Ben-Hai Segav, who also testified in the ongoing “Case 4000,” altered her statements during cross-examination in court, which has led prosecutors to categorize her as a hostile witness. Following these developments, she received an appointment from Karai as a director at the postal servstart. Her association with News 13 and the circumstances of her prior testimony have raised significant objections within the communications industry.
Industry Reaction and Concerns of Conflict of Interest
The Journalists’ Organization has expressed serious concerns regarding Ben-Hai Segav’s nomination, arguing that her candidacy reflects a significant conflict of interest. They emphasize that her recent departure from News 13 without a cooling period creates potential risks undermining public trust. The Second Authority is responsible for overseeing commercial broadcasts in Israel, ensuring investment in local content, and maintaining ethical standards.
Council Oversight Responsibilities
The council of the Second Authority oversees the content of commercial broadcast entities and has faced criticism for becoming increasingly passive in recent years. Analysts believe that Ben-Hai Segav’s proposed role as chair might further exacerbate this issue, risking the essential regulatory functions of the authority.
Background on Previous Controversies
In her role as a public director at News 13, Ben-Hai Segav previously supported a controversial nomination of Julia Shmaloob-Barakovic for CEO, which faced legal challenges and did not come to fruition. After tensions culminated in conflicts over board dynamics, an unusual demand was made to remove both her and another director from the board.
Legal and Financial Repercussions
In a recent ruling, Ben-Hai Segav’s defamation lawsuit against journalists was dismissed, prompting her to face legal costs amounting to NIS 47,500. The ongoing controversies surrounding her potential leadership of the Second Authority highlights the increasing scrutiny of regulatory appointments in Israel.
The outcome of the upcoming government vote could define the future direction of Israel’s broadcast regulatory framework, amidst significant industry apprehension.