Controversial Appointment Stirs Up Turmoil at News 13
The recent appointment of Yulia Shmalov Berkovic as the general manager of News 13, one of Israel's largest news companies, has been met with significant backlash. Journalists and employees of the network have expressed their vehement opposition, labeling the decision as a 'spit in the face' and a 'humiliating slap'. Shmalov-Berkovic, who previously served as the CEO of Channel 9, editor of the Russian-language newspaper 'Vesti', chairman of the Second Authority, and a member of the Knesset for the Kadima party, is accused of being morally and legally unfit for the position.
News 13 reporter, Yossi Eli, took to social media to voice his opposition, echoing sentiments shared by Yedioth Ahronoth's television critic, Einav Schiff. Eli recounted his experiences of covering conflict zones and expressed his disappointment in the appointment, stating it felt like a betrayal of his dedication and work. Other reporters have emphasized Shmalov-Berkovic's history of adverse actions against the news company and highlighted potential conflicts of interest associated with her appointment.
The letter from News 13 journalists outlines several reasons for their opposition: Shmalov-Berkovic's long absence from journalism, her previous actions against the company and its reporters, her disqualification by the Minister of Communications from a prior position, and concerns over unethical attitudes towards women. The letter painted a dire picture, suggesting that the decision endangers the stability of the news company and could lead to its downfall.
Amidst this internal turmoil, the network did secure a victory in the prime-time ratings for the first time in nine months, with 'Big Brother' topping the charts. This comes at a critical time for News 13, as they face stiff competition from other networks and are battling issues like declining ratings and defections to competitors such as i-24 News. The journalists argue that strong and ethically sound leadership is essential to navigating these challenges.
- The appointment has caused a significant uproar among News 13 staff, highlighting the broader issues of leadership and ethics within media companies. Many within the organization feel the decision undermines the values of journalistic integrity and could damage the company's reputation.
- Employees pointed out Shmalov-Berkovic’s controversial comments on social issues, particularly her disparaging remarks about single mothers and her dismissive attitude towards sexual harassment, which are seen as wholly incompatible with the company's values.
- The situation at News 13 is indicative of a larger trend in media where leadership decisions can have profound impacts on employee morale and public perception. The outcome of this internal conflict remains to be seen, but it underscores the importance of transparent and principled governance in journalistic enterprises.
