Israeli committee recommends shutting down Army Radio, Katz to issue decision
Advisory committee to Katz: Shut down Army Radio or suspend news programs • Galgalatz, Army Radio’s music station, should remain open
The Israeli government must shut down Army Radio or suspend its current affairs programs, an advisory committee established by Defense Minister Israel Katz concluded in a report delivered to Katz on Tuesday.
Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed receiving the recommendation and is expected to make an announcement shortly. “I thank the members of the committee for their careful, thoughtful and professional work, as well as their significant investment in examining all aspects related to Army Radio operations,” Katz said.
The committee held 19 days of discussion between August and October and toured both Army Radio and Galgalatz, Army Radio’s music station.
In its recommendation, the committee suggested that the station be rebranded in a way that preserves its unique identity as “Soldiers’ Home” by maintaining its programming aimed at IDF soldiers without engaging in current affairs content.
New Defense Minister Israel Katz attends a discussion and vote on the inclusion of MK Gideon Saar as a government minister in the plenary hall of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem, September 30, 2024. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
This would involve closing the news department, but the station would still be allowed to broadcast all news flashes produced by KAN, Israel’s public broadcasting company.
The committee was created by Katz in June
After its establishment, the Defense Ministry said the committee would be required to submit its findings and recommendations within 90 days and would examine, among other things, the feasibility, advantages and disadvantages of different operational options for military radio. This would also include the possibility of transferring its management to a civilian body or merging it with an external media organization.
“At a time when the State of Israel is engaged in a continuing multi-front campaign, it is necessary to reassess the extent to which Army Radio is fulfilling its mission and whether it is succeeding in being the voice and ears of IDF soldiers and fighters at the front and on the home front,” Katz said.
“There is no doubt that comprehensive and meaningful change is needed, and I intend to implement it after receiving the committee’s recommendations.”
Earlier this year, MP Nissim Vaturi of the Likud party proposed a bill to privatize the military station through a tender process, which would be managed by the Second Television and Radio Authority.
Additionally, in late March, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke out against Kan 11 Broadcasting Corporation at a cabinet meeting, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi presented Katz with a proposal to shut down Army Radio.
At the same meeting, Netanyahu asked: “Why do we need a military station?” The Minister of Defense and the Minister of Communications must examine the question of military radio. »
Walla contributed to this report.
