Channel 13 is undergoing a transformation: After the channel was purchased by Assaf Rapaport and a group of high-tech investors, a fundraising round began aimed at strengthening the news system.
For now, the channel's leaders have managed to transfer Suleiman Maswad and Michael Shemesh from the Kan corporation. The former will serve as the channel's envoy to the United States and the latter as a political correspondent.
According to a report by David Mizrahi, editor of 'Walla Branze', the investor group has a clear target - Channel 12, with the aim of "stealing" reporters, presenters and even managers from the channel.
""Shemesh and Masvad are just the beginning," he wrote. "Investors on Channel 13 are currently going through a thorough review of a reporter and anchor on Channel 12 - that's where, from their perspective, the real potential for growth lies. The timing is critical: the upcoming election campaign, and the ratings it will bring with it.".
According to him, "The offers they receive are fantastic, sometimes to the point of doubling their current salary. I hear about hair-raising numbers. Really.".
However, despite the efforts, so far no attempt has matured into concrete negotiations: "To the credit of the 12, it should be said that their containment efforts so far are successful. In my opinion, this says something good about the company and its management. Work is not only money but also a sense of belonging and the fear of losing a home with receipts.".
He further noted that 13's investors are also trying to attract executives from the news company: "Not only reporters on the agenda, but also executives that the high-tech guys are aiming to bring from 12 News, in what increasingly teaches us about the evolving DNA of the renewed channel: escaping a 'leftist' image and striving (again) towards the 'tribal campfire.' A concept in which 13 Network has failed for three decades. We will soon know if it will succeed this time.".
