Channel 14 Loses Minor License After 2025 Revenues Exceed 80 Million NIS
The Second Authority ruled that Channel 14's 2025 revenues surpassed 80 million NIS, revoking its minor license. The channel now faces strict regulatory requirements, including Arabic broadcasts and original production investments.
The Second Authority for Television and Radio determined last week that Channel 14's revenues in 2025 exceeded the 80 million NIS threshold, meaning it no longer meets the conditions for a minor broadcasting license. Following this status change, the channel will gradually become subject to regulatory obligations that apply to major commercial television channels.
One of the changes coming into effect in the near phase concerns broadcasts in the Arabic language. As part of the new obligations, Channel 14 will be required to produce a program in Arabic and integrate Arabic subtitles at a rate of 5% of its broadcasts. This marks a substantial shift compared to the conditions under which the channel operated until now under minor license reliefs.
Additional consequences will take effect later. Starting in early 2027, the channel will be required to invest 15% of its revenues in original Israeli productions and establish a separate news company. This company must operate through an independent board of directors, management, and newsroom, separate from the channel's commercial operations.
The change is also expected to impact Channel 14's financial management. With the transition to a standard license, it will become subject to obligations for paying license fees and levies, as well as rules regarding advertising broadcasts. According to data provided in the materials, commercial channels Keshet 12 and Reshet 13 currently pay approximately 11 million NIS each annually in license fees.
The decision was made after the Second Authority requested Channel 14's 2025 revenue data during 2026. According to the authority, some revenues were classified by the channel as digital revenues, but no supporting documentation or calculations were provided. After reviewing the available information, the authority determined that the relevant revenues exceeded the 80 million NIS threshold, shifting the channel to a standard license holder. Channel 14 has not yet responded to the decision.
