Army Radio to remain in the army
A mere 11 days after announcing that the station would be transferred from the IDF to the Ministry of Defense, Avigdor Lieberman says that things are not to change after learning of the complications involved in carrying out a transfer.
After consultations held on Sunday morning between Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Director-General of the Ministry of Defense Maj. Gen. (res.) Udi Adam and Attorney General Avichai Mandleblit about the status of Israel Army Radio within the Israeli security establishment, the decision was made that the station would remain within the army apparatus and not be transferred to the Ministry of Defense.
The decision came less than a fortnight after Lieberman had announced his plan to transfer the station.
This conclusion was reached to preserve the unique character of the radio station and in light of the implications and difficulties for its autonomy and independence as a public broadcasting body entailed by a potential move of the station from the army to the Ministry of Defense, the complicated procedure of incorporating it into that ministry and the need to regulate the process through proper legislation.
Army Radio is one of the two most popular radio stations in Israel, and its audience goes well beyond the IDF itself.
Several past defense ministers, including Ehud Barak and Moshe Ya’alon, all spoke at some point about privatizing the station, or at the very least transferring it from the IDF to the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense. None have come to fruition.
Lieberman's office stated that no alternative plan would be considered in the near future.
Ilana Messika contributed to this report.
Reprinted with permission from TPS
