Channel 2 (Israel)

Channel 2 (Israel)
Name	Channel 2
Country	Israel
Launch date	1993
Closed date	2017
Picture format	576i SDTV, 1080i HDTV
Headquarters	Tel Aviv
Language	Hebrew
Replaced	Second Israeli Broadcasting Authority franchise
Replaced by	Reshet 13, Keshet 12

Channel 2 (Israel) was a commercial terrestrial television channel that operated in Israel from 1993 until its closure and split in 2017. It transformed Israeli broadcasting by introducing advertising-funded programming, popular entertainment formats, and competitive news services, influencing institutions such as the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, Reshet, and Keshet. The channel competed with public broadcasters like Channel 1 and later interacted with media players including HOT, Bezeq, and Yes.

History

Channel 2 launched following regulatory changes influenced by figures connected to the Second Israeli Broadcasting Authority, and it initially awarded broadcasting franchises to consortiums including Keshet Media Group and Reshet. Early negotiations involved the Ministry of Communications (Israel), the Knesset's Communications Committee, and policymakers associated with the Shamir government and the Rabin government. Flagship early programs and anchor personalities often appeared in coverage by outlets such as Haaretz, The Jerusalem Post, and Maariv. Over its lifespan Channel 2 intersected with events like the Oslo Accords period, the Second Intifada, and the 2006 Lebanon War through news coverage produced by franchise news companies and by anchors linked to institutions like Channel 10 alumni and foreign correspondents from BBC and CNN. Licensing disputes and franchise renewals involved regulators such as the Israel Broadcast Authority and later prompted reforms under ministers like Ariel Sharon's successors and Yair Lapid's policy debates. The channel's transition ended after a government decision leading to a split into two separate channels operated by franchisees, culminating in successor channels launched by Reshet and Keshet.

Organization and Ownership

Operational control of Channel 2 rested with franchise holders rather than a single network owner, with primary operational entities including Keshet Media Group, Reshet, and earlier partnerships that involved private investors and production houses with ties to companies like Endemol and Fremantle. Regulatory oversight came from bodies such as the Second Authority for Television and Radio and the Ministry of Communications (Israel). Major stakeholders included media executives who had ties to conglomerates and financial institutions such as Bank Hapoalim and Pelephone investors, while advertising sales were managed alongside agencies like McCann Erickson and GroupM. Labor relations involved unions connected to broadcasters and journalists organized under associations like the Israeli Journalists Association; board-level decisions saw participation from executives formerly associated with Channel 1 and managers with past roles at Channel 10.

Programming and Notable Shows

Channel 2 broadcast a mix of news, drama, comedy, reality, and imported formats. Its flagship news bulletins produced by franchise news companies featured anchors and correspondents who later moved between outlets such as Channel 10, Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera. Entertainment included Israeli adaptations of international franchises produced in collaboration with companies like Endemol, Fremantle, and Talpa, alongside original dramas featuring actors known from BeTipul alumni and creators connected to series aired on HBO and Netflix. Popular shows were often covered in cultural pages of Yedioth Ahronoth, discussed by critics from Globes, and awarded at ceremonies like the Israeli Film Academy awards and festivals such as the Jerusalem Film Festival. Reality and talent formats brought in formats licensed from Pop Idol and Got Talent parent companies, while comedy sketch shows launched comedians who later performed at venues like the Habima Theatre and appeared in films screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

Viewing Figures and Impact

Channel 2 achieved leading audience shares competing against Channel 1 and multichannel cable services like HOT and satellite operator Yes. Ratings were tracked by research firms and advertisers that referenced measurement methodologies similar to those used by agencies such as Nielsen equivalents and regional bureaus. High-profile broadcasts, including election night coverage of Knesset elections, state memorial days observed with the Israel Defense Forces ceremonies, and international events such as the Eurovision Song Contest qualified the channel for peak audience penetration. The channel's advertising model reshaped the Israeli media market affecting media groups including Walla!, Mako, and Ynet with cross-platform promotions and synergy deals involving telecom firms like Bezeq.

Controversies and Criticism

Channel 2 faced recurrent criticism over editorial balance from political parties across the spectrum — including criticisms voiced by members of Likud, Labor, Yisrael Beiteinu, and Meretz — and from advocacy groups aligned with organizations such as Peace Now and Gush Emunim. Legal challenges involved disputes over franchise terms adjudicated by courts including the Supreme Court of Israel and arbitration referenced by the Second Authority for Television and Radio. Accusations of concentration of media ownership implicated conglomerates and sparked commentary in outlets like Haaretz and Globes, while controversies over specific broadcasts led to hearings in the Knesset and regulatory fines administered by the Ministry of Communications (Israel).

Technical Broadcast Details

The channel transmitted terrestrially via broadcast facilities co-ordinated with the Israel Broadcasting Authority infrastructure and used standards compatible with European systems, offering both standard definition and later high-definition feeds. Distribution extended through cable operator HOT, satellite provider Yes, and digital platforms connected to ISPs such as Bezeq International. Technical upgrades paralleled global transitions to digital broadcasting, involving multiplexing arrangements and standards analogous to DVB-T deployments in Europe and equipment supplied by vendors used by broadcasters internationally.

Legacy and Successor Channels

Following policy reforms and regulatory decisions, Channel 2 was dismantled and operations were reallocated, resulting in successor channels operated by franchisees including Reshet 13 and Keshet 12, which continued many programming traditions and staff movements to new platforms. The split influenced the market dynamics for competitors such as Channel 10, which later underwent consolidation, and affected content pipelines involving production companies like Yes Studios and distribution arrangements at broadcasters including Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. Its alumni populated Israeli media institutions ranging from public broadcasters to online portals like Walla! News and Mako, and several programs and formats were adapted internationally or evolved into streaming offerings on services like Netflix and regional platforms.

Category:Television channels in Israel