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| Keshet 12 | |
|---|---|
| Name | Keshet 12 |
| Country | Israel |
| Launched | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Tel Aviv |
| Language | Hebrew |
| Picture format | 1080i HDTV |
| Owner | Keshet Media Group |
| Sister channels | Channel 2 franchisees |
Keshet 12 is an Israeli commercial television channel operated by the Keshet Media Group and established in 2012 following the split of a long-standing broadcasting franchise. The channel emerged during a major reorganization of Israeli television that involved regulatory decisions affecting Channel 2 (Israeli TV channel), Reshet, and Channel 10 (Israeli TV channel). Keshet 12 quickly became a major outlet for entertainment, news, and sports in Israel, influencing popular culture and television exports.
Keshet 12 traces its origins to the franchise system that governed Channel 2 (Israeli TV channel), which involved operators such as Keshet Media Group and Reshet. Reforms initiated by the Second Broadcasting Authority of Israel and debates in the Knesset culminated in the 2011–2012 restructuring that abolished the shared franchise model and created independent channels. The launch coincided with technological transitions already underway in Israeli Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting and the wider regional shift toward high-definition television. Early scheduling featured adaptations of international formats like Got Talent and The Voice, alongside original productions that later competed in international markets such as Britain's Got Talent adaptations and exchanges with BBC formats. The channel’s rise paralleled changing viewership patterns influenced by streaming platforms including Netflix (service) and local SVOD services.
The channel is operated by the Keshet Media Group, a private media conglomerate founded by figures with backgrounds in Israeli broadcasting and advertising. Corporate governance aligns Keshet with production units, advertising sales houses, and international distribution arms that engage with entities like NBCUniversal, Endemol Shine Group, and Sony Pictures Television. Major shareholders and board members have included prominent Israeli businesspeople and media executives previously associated with Channel 2 (Israeli TV channel) management. Keshet maintains partnerships and co-production agreements with institutions such as Channel 4 (British TV channel), ITV, and distribution networks across Europe and North America to adapt formats and export drama series to festivals like the Canneseries and markets such as the MIPCOM marketplace.
Programming mixes entertainment, drama, reality formats, and imported series. Flagship entertainment shows adapted local versions of global franchises: talent competitions related to The Voice (franchise), reality formats akin to Big Brother (franchise), and game formats similar to Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Scripted drama series have been produced for international export, entering festivals alongside works from HBO and Showtime, and have drawn comparisons to acclaimed Israeli dramas such as those distributed by Keshet International. Late-night and prime-time lineups have competed with offerings from Makan 33 and Kan 11, while lifestyle and cooking shows reflected trends similar to those on Food Network and BBC Two culinary programming. Children’s blocks and animated imports involved partnerships with studios including Disney Television Animation and Cartoon Network Studios.
The channel operates a flagship news division that competes directly with broadcasters such as Kan 11 and former competitors like Channel 10 (Israeli TV channel). Its news programming covers domestic politics debated in the Knesset, security developments involving the Israel Defense Forces, and diplomatic events with counterparts including United States Department of State delegations and representatives from the European Union. Current affairs magazines have featured investigative reports on institutions like the Bank of Israel and coverage of high-profile trials in the Jerusalem District Court. Prominent anchors and correspondents have moved between outlets, creating a competitive market for journalistic talent similar to shifts seen between CNN and BBC News hires.
Sports broadcasting rights have included selective football and basketball fixtures, competing for contracts against sports rights holders and broadcasters that manage coverage of Israeli Premier League (football) matches and EuroLeague basketball. Special event coverage has encompassed national ceremonies involving the President of Israel and live broadcasts of cultural events such as national song competitions that mirror international formats like Eurovision Song Contest national selections. The channel has also carried large-scale entertainment specials and annual award shows that attract sponsorship from multinational brands and production partners accustomed to staging events for broadcasters such as ITV and TF1.
Transmission conforms to Israeli terrestrial standards and multiformat distribution through satellite and cable operators like YES (Israel) and Hot (Israel), as well as IPTV providers. The channel upgraded to 1080i high-definition feeds in line with regional broadcasters and integrated digital playout systems used across networks including Rai and ZDF affiliates. Keshet’s distribution arm negotiated international licensing via emblems of format sales similar to deals made by Keshet International, enabling content delivery to markets in Latin America, Asia, and Europe through buyers at markets such as MIPTV.
As a major commercial broadcaster, the channel has faced scrutiny over editorial decisions and coverage perceived as biased by political actors in the Knesset and advocacy groups. Regulatory complaints have involved the Second Broadcasting Authority of Israel and debates over advertising practices comparable to disputes seen at CNN and Fox News. Content controversies included disputes over reality-show ethics, production working conditions similar to concerns in Hollywood, and competitive tensions with rival broadcasters like Reshet and Channel 10 (Israeli TV channel), leading to public debates in media outlets such as Haaretz and The Jerusalem Post.
Category:Television channels in Israel