Israeli journalists warn Channel 13 sale threatens press

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 13 February 2026 |  JP Middle East Desk

Journalists and media unions criticized plans to sell nearly 15% of Reshet-owned Channel 13 to Patrick Drahi, saying the stake could undermine editorial independence, narrow media plurality and prompt legal challenges ahead of national elections.

Summary

JERUSALEM — Israeli journalists and media unions have sharply criticized a planned sale of nearly 15 percent of the commercial broadcasterChannel 13, warning the transaction could erode editorial independence and weaken one of the few critical media voices ahead of national elections.

The Union of Journalists in Israel described the deal as potentially unlawful and part of a broader trend to capture key media outlets at a politically sensitive moment.

The stake in Reshet‑owned Channel 13 is being sold by British billionaire Sir Leonard Blavatnik to telecom investor and media owner Patrick Drahi, whose holdings include the cable operator Hot and international news outlet i24NEWS. Although competition law limits the stake to 15 percent, critics argue that Drahi’s financial influence could grant him effective control over the broadcaster’s editorial line.

Profound concerns about media freedom intensify

Journalists and press freedom advocates say the sale could accelerate the diminishing space for independent journalism in Israel, where media plurality has already been under strain amid political polarization and legislative efforts to restructure public broadcasting.

Legal challenges and public pressure are expected as unions and civil society organizations urge antitrust authorities and courts to block the sale, arguing it threatens competition and freedom of expression. Drahi’s supporters maintain the investment would bring capital for modernization and content expansion.

Drahi’s media footprint and political context

Drahi’s media assets have historically been seen as less critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, raising alarms that Channel 13’s news coverage could shift toward a more government‑aligned perspective. The debate comes at a time when several Israeli media and regulatory reforms have drawn scrutiny over their potential impact on independent reporting.

Analysts note that changes in media ownership structures can have strong effects on how elections and government actions are covered, particularly in highly competitive political environments. Control over influential broadcasters can influence public opinion and democratic accountability.

WHY THIS MATTERS: For Pakistani journalists and media outlets, this illustrates how ownership changes at major broadcasters can meaningfully shift editorial independence, especially in politically charged environments. The case highlights the importance of regulatory safeguards to protect media plurality and guard against consolidation that could limit critical reporting. It also underscores the need for legal frameworks that support independent journalism ahead of key political moments.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting based on The Guardian coverage and union statements on the Channel 13 sale and press freedom concerns.

PHOTO: AI‑generated; for illustrative purposes only.