Channel 13 (Israel)

Channel 13 (Israel)
"רשת מדיה בע"מ" · Public domain · source
Name	Channel 13
Country	Israel
Language	Hebrew
Launched	2017
Replaced	Channel 2
Owner	Reshet Media
Picture format	1080i HDTV

Channel 13 (Israel) is an Israeli commercial television channel that began broadcasting following the split of Channel 2 and the reorganisation of Israeli broadcasting. The channel serves as a major platform for Israeli entertainment, news, and drama and competes with Keshet 12, Kan 11, and international services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO. Channel 13 operates within the Israeli media landscape alongside institutions like The Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, Maariv, and public broadcaster Israel Broadcasting Authority successors.

History

Channel 13 emerged from the 2015 decision by the Israeli Ministry of Communications and the Second Authority for Television and Radio to end the shared broadcasting model of Channel 2 and to create distinct commercial channels. The split involved media companies Reshet and Keshet and followed legal and regulatory processes influenced by personalities such as Ari Shavit and institutions including Knesset committees. In 2017 Reshet launched the new channel as part of a restructuring that drew on the legacy of programs produced for Channel 2 and contributors from production houses like Keshet International and Yes. The channel's evolution intersected with distribution developments by Bezeq, Hot, and satellite operators.

Programming

Channel 13's schedule mixes Israeli drama, comedy, reality formats, imported series, and cultural programming, reflecting influences from Israeli television drama trends and international formats sold by Keshet International and Endemol Shine Group. Signature shows feature creators associated with names such as Asi Dayan, Dudu Topaz, and writers who previously worked on HaShminiya and Fauda. Entertainment blocks include adaptations of formats like Survivor and locally produced reality series similar to Big Brother. The channel broadcasts musicals, talk formats with hosts linked to Erez Tal and Ortal Ben-Shimon, and comedy pieces reminiscent of Eretz Nehederet contributors. Channel 13 also acquires international drama from distributors such as BBC, Channel 4, and Hulu.

News and Current Affairs

Channel 13 operates a major news division delivering bulletins, investigative journalism, and political talk shows that engage figures from the Knesset, the Prime Minister's office, and commentators with ties to The Times of Israel and Haaretz. Its flagship news programs feature presenters and journalists who have worked at outlets like Israel Hayom, Yedioth Ahronoth, and Globes. Coverage extends to conflicts involving Israel Defense Forces, diplomatic developments with actors such as United States, European Union, and regional relations with Palestine, Egypt, and Jordan. The channel's current affairs programming has featured interviews with politicians including Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Lapid, and Avigdor Lieberman, and investigative segments influenced by techniques associated with outlets like Channel 12 and international newsrooms like BBC News.

Ownership and Management

Channel 13 is owned and operated by Reshet Media, which underwent corporate negotiations with entities including Endemol Shine Group and investment groups tied to media executives. Board members and executives have included figures from Israeli media entrepreneurship and former managers from Keshet and Channel 2 heritage. Corporate governance has been shaped by oversight from regulatory bodies such as the Israeli Communications Ministry and commercial stakeholders with ties to television production firms like Armoza Formats and advertising agencies that collaborate with WPP plc and local advertising markets exemplified by Yedioth Ahronoth stakeholders.

Technical Details and Distribution

Broadcast in 1080i HDTV and distributed via terrestrial multiplexes, Channel 13 reaches homes through platforms such as HOT, Yes, and digital terrestrial transmission managed under regulations from the Second Authority for Television and Radio. The channel also offers online streaming and catch-up services via its own platforms and partnerships with providers like Cellcom and mobile carriers in the style of collaborations between media companies and telecom operators such as Bezeq International. Satellite distribution and rights management interact with international sales channels including KAN International and global format distributors.

Controversies and Criticism

Channel 13 has faced controversies and criticism over editorial decisions, presenter conduct, and commercial influence, mirroring debates seen in outlets such as Channel 12, Haaretz, and The Jerusalem Post. Accusations have involved perceived biases in coverage of high-profile trials and political disputes involving figures like Benjamin Netanyahu and legal institutions such as the Supreme Court of Israel. Labour disputes with production crews referenced unions and groups similar to Histadrut, and regulatory scrutiny came from authorities like the Second Authority for Television and Radio over advertising and content standards. Public debates about concentration in Israeli media connected Channel 13 to wider discussions involving companies like Yedioth Ahronoth and international concerns about media plurality exemplified by cases in United Kingdom and United States media markets.

Category:Television channels in Israel