Likud MK Nissim Vaturi has introduced a bill to privatize Army Radio, calling for the sale of the station, along with its affiliate Galgalatz, to a private buyer. Vaturi argued that the military’s public financing and staffing of the radio station, which operates as a military unit, is outdated and unnecessary.
The bill would require the Second Authority for Television and Radio to conduct a tender for the sale. If passed, Army Radio would no longer be operated by the military, and IDF troops would cease service at the station within two years. Vaturi’s proposal comes amid a broader push by the government to shut down Israel’s public broadcaster, with Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi having previously expressed intentions to close the Second Authority.
Army Radio, one of Israel’s most listened-to news stations, is staffed by both soldiers and veteran journalists. Its role in investigating the IDF and government officials has raised ethical concerns over its military ties. Despite years of discussions about privatization or shutdown, previous defense ministers, including Yoav Gallant, have avoided taking action on the matter.
Vaturi’s bill follows a similar measure introduced by Likud MK Tally Gotliv, aiming to privatize Israel’s public broadcasting network, which has been criticized by journalists and opposition members as a threat to press freedom. The proposed legislation, if passed, would close the broadcaster entirely within two years if no buyer is found.
