Channel 13 changes ownership: What needs to be done to save it from collapse

An opinion column examining the acquisition of Channel 13 by Assaf Rappaport and Merit Fund, focusing on the economic and programming challenges facing the channel. The author analyzes the channel's annual losses (150-200 million shekels), the expected injection of $120 million, and warns against failed business models. He recommends a change in media approach, taking into account the growing conservative-right-wing audience.

An opinion column by Walla! examining the acquisition of Channel 13 by Assaf Rappaport and Merit Fund, which received regulatory approval last week. The author presents the main economic challenge: annual losses of 150-200 million shekels against an injection of $120 million over three years, which may only suffice for a temporary balance. He warns Rappaport against two dangers: listening to conflicting interests of "quasi-liberal" factors and channel employees, and the idea of turning Channel 13 into a quality commando unit in the style of the failed Channel 10. The author points to a significant structural weakness - the lack of cross-promotion capability, unlike Keshet 12 which utilizes its entire broadcast schedule. He emphasizes the demographic shift in viewership: the traditional audience is dwindling but becoming more conservative and right-wing, as reflected in the rising ratings of Channel 14. The recent firing of Eli Racklin after 23 years marks, in his view, the beginning of the efficiency process, but without a clear vision it is an insufficient step.