oatmeal#Israel / The Patriots effect: Israel’s shifting civil discourse under Netanyahu
Davide Lerner, an Italian journalist, selectively watched eight episodes of Channel 14’s flagship program "The Patriots" between May and August 2024, to examine the changes occurring in Israeli media during the period of the war on Gaza.
Israel's media landscape is shifting, with a rise in right-wing voices and potential restrictions on free speech. Channel 14, which is aligned with the government and broadcasts programs like "The Patriots," is a key player. This show often features extreme views, downplays #Palestinian suffering, and frames criticism of #Israel as antisemitic. The report also notes a trend of self-censorship among journalists and the government's actions against critical media outlets.
[…] Even during conflict, outlets should strive to incorporate the other side's narratives and vicissitudes into their coverage. Israeli media have achieved this in the past, and as society slowly heals from the wounds of the war, a more open and inclusive coverage may make a come-back. But as things stand, too many voices – and facts – are being left unheard.