Bill: License to publish newspaper for Israeli residents only
MKs drafting bill according to which only state citizens, residents or corporation where majority of stake holders are citizens residing in country – can be issued with license to publish newspapers. 'Readers aren’t always aware of publisher's hidden interests,' says MK Hasson
The bill also applies to registered corporations in Israel, in addition to state citizens and residents, "if the ability to direct its action and 51% of all means of its control are in the hands of Israeli citizens and residents". The bill is being promoted by several Knesset members from different factions, and more are expected to join them in the coming days.
"The purpose of the bill is to put the Israeli journalism world in order and change the situation in which a person who is not a state resident and whose life isn't centered in Israel can keep a newspaper through personal funds and use it as platform to convey clear interests, while most readers are not always aware of the hidden interest of that publisher who at times is doing it for free," MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) said.
MK Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) said he would only endorse the bill if it would not apply to east Jerusalem. According to Tibi the area is inhabited by people who are considered residents but are not citizens. MK Dov Khenin (Hadash) is also supporting the initiative and said, "Journalism has an immense impact on public discourse and it is only fitting that the person standing behind it be a part of the society he is influencing."
'Not just business'
Knesset Member Eitan Cabel (Labor) noted, "The significance of the bill primarily lies in the need for Israeli media to be led by Israelis who are aware of what goes on in the country. Media is not just business."
The bill's draft states, "Print journalism is one of the main instruments for the existence of a democratic governing system and has a leading role being both a supplier of information and an element which forms the reader's stances through commentary, opinions and criticism.
"Due to print journalism's vast influence, a situation can not exist where a paper can act as a power base and serve as an influencing instrument in the hands of elements whose motives are unclear.
"A public committee which discussed the matter (the public committee for journalism affairs chaired by Haim Zadok in 1997) found that decisions on editorial policy in newspapers required responsibility, high level of sensibility and orientation, and a deep commitment to the State, its citizens and residents. Accordingly, the committee recommended that an editor of a wide circulating newspaper be a permanent resident of the State of Israel."
