Will Israel terminate its only news broadcasts to the English-speaking world? According to a Jerusalem Post report, an emergency cost-cutting plan at the Israel Broadcasting Authority may force the national broadcaster to cease all English-language programming, including English TV and radio news.
While some Hebrew-language TV programming and several Hebrew radio stations would continue, the budgetary cutbacks could mean that all foreign-language programming will disappear.
A Jerusalem Post editorial laments the potential loss of Israel’s voice to the world:
“These are the broadcasts to which diplomats, visiting business people, foreign correspondents and tourists listen. Israel gets too few opportunities to present its perspective overseas. For Israel to thus undercut its own obvious interest boggles the mind… Military contests are only one facet of the challenges Israel faces. Waging a convincing battle for hearts and minds overseas is essential. In this inherently crucial conflict Israel must not lose any outlet for its voice, especially not the IBA’s voice in English.”
IBA English TV can be viewed here; IBA English radio can be heard here.
