Uri Levy Reveals the Calm, Pre-Politics Past of Channel 14's Yinon Magal
Veteran broadcaster Uri Levy reveals in a new podcast how he once appointed Yinon Magal to co-anchor the historic "Mabat" news, recalling a calm, state-oriented colleague far removed from today's fiery Channel 14 presenter.
The transformation of one of Israeli television's most prominent and outspoken figures has come under the spotlight, as veteran public broadcaster Uri Levy revealed previously unknown details about the early career of Channel 14 anchor Yinon Magal.
Appearing on the podcast "Shidur Chozer" produced by Zauber Media, Levy shared a surprising professional secret from the past: he was the one who appointed Magal to co-anchor the legendary "Mabat" news edition on Israel's First Channel alongside Merav Miller. Confirming the historical appointment during the interview, Levy noted with a smile, "Yes, yes, yes, as the news anchor, together with Merav Miller."
A Dramatic Shift in Public Persona
However, the portrait painted by Levy of Magal during those formative years stands in stark contrast to the combative, high-energy presenter recognized by viewers today. To illustrate the massive gap between past and present, Levy shared an anecdote from a past appearance on the radio program hosted by Magal and Ben Caspit on 103FM—a show that Magal recently announced will likely go off the air following upcoming elections.
"I said: if I tell Ben Caspit on air right now, I could ruin Yinon Magal's career in one second, by saying he was the nicest guy on earth," Levy recalled. Beyond the humor, the veteran broadcaster emphasized how Magal conducted himself inside the public news studio during that era.
"He was genuinely a great guy, very state-oriented, very quiet, very calm," Levy recounted, adding with amused reservation, "I know these are words that don't fit Yinon Magal today, but that was the Yinon Magal of back then."
Reflecting on a Changed Landscape
When asked if he is surprised by Magal's current professional conduct and fiery demeanor, Levy initially shrugged before offering a candid reflection. "Look, first of all, I got used to it," he admitted, before acknowledging, "Yes, his conduct today does surprise me." Summing up the evolution between the two distinct periods of Magal's media life, Levy concluded with a sharp observation: "Zero politics on the air, Yinon Magal. Zero politics on the air, that's how it was. Yes, today there is a different Yinon Magal, there is no question about that at all."
Uri Levy remains one of the most respected and long-serving figures in Israeli public broadcasting. Throughout a career spanning decades, Levy has served as a broadcaster, news anchor, editor, and key executive at the First Channel, anchoring major national news broadcasts alongside historic sports coverages, including numerous Olympic games and major international sporting events.
