Tens of millions of shekels in one day: Is the investment in elections worth it for the channels? | Watch
Israel's major television channels are investing tens of millions of shekels in election night broadcasts, with average costs of 4-5 million shekels per channel for news coverage. Despite the heavy spending, viewership has declined from 50.5% in March 2021 to about 40% in November 2022. Each channel tries to differentiate itself through technology, entertainment, or larger exit polls.
Israel's major television channels are preparing to invest tens of millions of shekels in election day broadcasts for the Knesset. According to industry estimates, the total cost of election night across all channels reaches tens of millions of shekels, with the average investment in news broadcasts alone being 4-5 million shekels per channel. The expenses are divided into four main components: exit polls (1 million shekels and above), field deployment and outside broadcasts, technology and graphics, and manpower including freelancers and overtime at 200% pay. Despite the investment, viewership data from the 2022 elections shows a decline from 50.5% in March 2021 to about 40% in November 2022. Each channel tries to differentiate itself: Keshet 12 emphasizes its connection to 'Eretz Nehederet', Reshet 13 launches a new studio with artificial intelligence, Kan focuses on multi-platform synergy, Channel 14 presents itself as the largest election studio, i24NEWS avoids entertainment, and Channel 16 bases its coverage on 85 polling stations in its sample.