A state channel with a subversive soul: the wonderful year of Channel 14

An opinion article analyzing the meteoric rise of Channel 14 in ratings, alongside a critical examination of its journalistic style, its dependence on Benjamin Netanyahu, and the question of whether it can transform from a Bibist channel into an independent right-wing channel.

An opinion piece in Walla Culture reviews the wonderful year of Channel 14, which closed its best year ever with record ratings. The author sketches the historical background of media in Israel, from party-affiliated bulletins through Israel Hayom to the current Channel 14. The channel, which grew out of 'Channel of Heritage', found itself primarily serving Benjamin Netanyahu, using a combative style and right-wing alternative content. The article notes that the channel's news broadcast rose to second place in viewership tables, and its flagship program 'The Patriots' achieved high numbers. However, the author criticizes the poor journalistic standards, the incitement in the studios, and the channel's economic dependence on the government. He raises the question of whether the channel can break the glass ceiling and become an independent right-wing media outlet, or whether it will remain dependent on Netanyahu's political fate.