The cultural obligations of broadcast television in Israel

Abstract

In this study, a textual analysis of policy papers, drafts of legal documents and laws enacted by the Knesset are used in order to demonstrate how broadcasting policy has been shaped in Israel in order to serve cultural needs. The study describes the historical development of policy toward broadcast television in Israel, from the 1960s to 1993, when commercial television was introduced. It demonstrates how all along, though cultural goals and understandings have changed, cultural considerations were at the basis of the policy. The analysis demonstrates the changes in the value systems of Israeli policymakers and lawmakers over the years and between broadcasters, but maintains that the cultural policies in regard to non-Jewish cultural expression have remained unchanged.