After too many delays, the reforms in the state-run Israel Broadcasting Authority will take place, resulting in the dismissal of 750 employees. Barring any last-minute issues, the papers will be signed on Sunday night 1 Rosh Chodesh Adar 5773 and a new reality will begin in the state-run agency, including the dismissal of 750 employees in the coming months.

The IBA has been a sore point with too many Israelis, who today rely on cable, satellite TV and the internet for their news and entertainment content and are resentful of the compulsory annual state TV tax to provide jobs for IBA employees.

The reform plan is 730 million NIS, a restructuring of the organization, its content and technology, as well as the real estate owned by the agency. If the agreement is finally signed, all employment contracts will be null and void. The remaining 1,050 employees and an additional 150 who will be hired over time will negotiate contracts. 180 employees were dismissed during the last two years, all towards streamlining the inflated government agency and radically improving content.

Government officials realize that too many TV watchers simply feel if IBS is not commercially viable, close it down but the nation’s leaders wish to keep the state-controlled station operating, realizing it also serves as a propaganda arm.

Before becoming too excited readers should realize the state is not going to walk away from the hefty income generated by IBA and while TV tax will be lowered gradually over the coming years, radio tax will be increased and the latter impacts more homes than the TV tax.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)