AG blocks attempt to encroach upon freedom of the press
The political echelon seeks to shorten the approval process on the bill that would extend Prime Minister Netanyahu’s control of the media, but Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit halts proceedings ‘due to the implications on the freedom of speech.’
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit will not allow the speedy passing of a new bill pertaining to the media, which is supposed to establish the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's control over the Public Broadcasting Corporation—if and when it is indeed established—as well as over other electronic media outlets.
In a clarification published Tuesday, the attorney general explained that due to the broad public implications, as well as the implications for the freedom of expression, he would not allow the shortening of the legislative process requested by the Ministry of Communications, but rather await professional insight on the matter.
According to the statement, "More than a week ago… the attorney general clarified that this could not be done."
According to Mandelblit's clarification, the professional echelon of the Ministry of Justice has presented preliminary comments to the draft bill, which was presented to him in the context of a government-sponsored dialogue. However, full attention can only be given once a consolidated draft has been received from the qualified authorities.
The bill is based on an idea that was raised a few years ago and dubbed "the Soviet Union": the procedure would include subordinating the corporation to the existing regulators, and unifying the Second Television and Radio Authority with the The Council for Cable TV and Satellite Broadcasting. This would enable the establishment of the Corporation, while also extending the prime minister's control.
According to the bill, the Broadcasting Corporation and other media outlets in Israel will be subject to a council of 11 members appointed by the political echelon.
One section explicitly states that the Chairman of the Supervisory Board will be a civil servant who is directly elected by the Minister of Communications.
In addition, instead of two public representatives among the 11 council members, a representative of the Minister of Communications and a representative of the Minister of Finance will be appointed. The chairperson of the council, who will also be the CEO of the corporation, will be appointed by a screening committee appointed by the Minister of Communications.
The bill's draft also subjects IDF Radio to the supervision of the new council, stating that "the commander of the IDF Radio will be invited to participate, as an advisor, in council meetings relating to Galei Zahal programs."
(Translated and edited by N. Elias)
