Tzvi Amar has refused a NIS 20 million buyout offer for Kol Berama Radio from Shas, Kikar Shabbos reports. The officer was the latest in efforts to take over control of the chareidi radio station. The efforts to purchase the radio station began with the last Knesset elections.

The buyer, who is in Marseilles, was supposed to meet with station owners but persons involved began probing the sale and decided the buyer is “to connected” to Shas and Aryeh Deri. Shas views the station aligned with Eli Yishai and therefore, it is boycotted. Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita will not even permit Kol Berama to air his motzei Shabbos shiurim since the boycott began.

The fact is that since elections the station’s worth has diminished as some of its stars moved over to Kol Chai. According to TGI polls, its listening audience is declining too as Kol Chai increases.

Persons affiliated with the station however report “Tzvi didn’t give in” and remains true to Kol Berama. Persons quoting Tzvi explain he says “I view the station as HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef’s ZT”L will and my responsibility to maintain”. It is added that Amar recently acquired the Kooker website in the hope of beginning to penetrate the chareidi internet market too.

Persons aligned with Shas say it is unfortunately that Amar is determined to continue the ongoing war.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)