Media Market Drama: i24NEWS Challenges State in Supreme Court

The news channel i24NEWS has filed an objection with the Supreme Court against the state's request for an extension to submit its response to petitions challenging the new Communications Law. According to the channel, the continued delay in the legal proceedings keeps the court's temporary injunction in effect, thereby blocking the implementation of a law intended to increase competition in the Israeli media market.

In a filing submitted by the channel's legal counsel, Adv. Uriel Bubli, and attorneys Ohad Shalem and Eyal Drori of the Shalem Kerem firm, it is argued that this is not merely a technical request for an extension, but a move that prolongs the freeze of the law and harms the interests of multiple parties.

According to i24NEWS, the new law comprises approximately 150 clauses, yet the temporary injunction freezes all provisions, even those unrelated to the specific petitions filed against it.

This legal battle is particularly significant for i24NEWS, as the new law is designed to allow the Hebrew-language channel, currently broadcast on channel 15, to reach subscribers of cable and satellite providers HOT and YES. Currently, the channel is primarily available via OTT services.

«Every day the law remains unimplemented delays changes intended to reduce entry barriers and foster broader competition in the news market», the channel stated.

Furthermore, the channel argues that other parties are also affected by the continued freeze, and that the court must weigh the public interest alongside the positions of the petitioners. The issue is generating significant interest in the Israeli media market, as it could alter the balance of power between major news outlets and the ability of new entrants to reach a wider audience.