Channel 14 reporter Avraham Hasson said Tuesday that he requested to cover the Democratic Party's primary elections on Sunday but was denied permission because he is a Channel 14 journalist. His account adds a personal dimension to the ongoing controversy over the party's refusal to allow Channel 14 to cover the event.
Channel 14 reporter Avraham Hasson disclosed Tuesday that the Democratic Party (Hadmokratim) refused to allow him to cover the party's primary elections because he works for Channel 14. Hasson said he contacted the party's spokesman on Sunday and requested entry, but was informed late in the evening that he would not be permitted due to his affiliation. His account, provided Tuesday, adds a personal dimension to the controversy that erupted Monday.
The Zioneer reported Monday at 17:15 Jerusalem that the Democrats party had barred Channel 14 from covering the primaries. Channel 14 filed an urgent petition with the Tel Aviv District Court, citing a 2022 Supreme Court ruling on media equality. Later that evening, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi called the party 'fascist' and accused it of hypocrisy. Channel 14 commentator Yotam Zemer said the party was trying to 'cage' public consciousness. The party had not responded to the allegations by Tuesday.
The dispute over media access is part of a broader pattern of tensions between Channel 14 and political figures. The Zioneer has reported on previous allegations: On July 19, Democratic Party candidate Avi Shoshan claimed that MK Naama Lazimi canceled a podcast interview due to his Channel 14 affiliation. On July 5, Democratic Party figure Omri Nahmani accused Channel 14 journalist Daniel Amram of bias. Channel 14 has also publicly clashed with the military censor over alleged discrimination.
It remains unclear whether the court will rule on Channel 14's petition before the primaries, and whether the Democratic Party will issue a formal response to Hasson's statement.
6 developments
- DevelopingDemocratic Party figure Omri Nahmani accuses Daniel Amram of Chabad-linked bias
- DevelopingAvi Shoshan alleges Naama Lazimi canceled podcast interview over Channel 14 ties
- DevelopingPolitical commentator slams Democrats party primaries, calls party 'hatred and poison'
- DevelopingSocial media post claims journalists banned from Channel 14 interviews
Source and signal
- Internal intake