Israeli journalists urge UK billionaire to halt Channel 13 stake sale over press freedom fears

Israeli journalists have appealed to British billionaire Leonard Blavatnik to halt the sale of his stake in Channel 13, warning that the move could seriously undermine media independence in Israel.

Blavatnik is selling just under a 15 percent stake in Channel 13, a commercial television channel known for critical coverage of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and investigations into his financial dealings.

The buyer is telecoms tycoon Patrick Drahi, who already owns other Israeli media outlets that generally take a less critical editorial line toward the government.

The Union of Journalists in Israel said the sale was an unlawful deal that would further erode press freedom and described it as part of what it called a broader effort by the Netanyahu government to capture the media ahead of this year’s elections. The union said it hoped Blavatnik, known for his philanthropy, would reconsider the decision.

Although the sale complies with competition laws that cap ownership by an existing media player, critics argue Drahi would gain effective control because Blavatnik is unwilling to continue funding the loss-making channel.

Anat Saragusti of the Union of Journalists said the channel would become financially dependent on Drahi, giving him decisive influence over editorial policy.

Concerns have been heightened by the financial difficulties facing Drahi’s wider business empire and by fears of job losses similar to those seen recently at the Washington Post following changes under billionaire ownership.

Blavatnik’s company, Access Industries, denied any political motivation behind the deal and said Drahi’s bid offered the fastest and strongest financial support for Channel 13.

Journalists and rival bidders have said they expect Israel’s antitrust authorities or the Supreme Court of Israel to examine the deal, as concerns grow that the future of independent television news is at stake.