Photographed by Batya badanowski
The sixth traditional media conference organized by Yosi Bar Mocha - President of Igud Haitonaim (Association of Journalists in Israel) - took place
this year at the impressive Herods Hotel in Eilat from November 4th through the 7th . 1,600 participants including academicians, public figures, speakers and 250 reporters, photographers, television and radio personalities gathered to discuss the future of journalism during the economic crisis and to give recognition to those who have demonstrated excellent achievements.
The conference was well organized, professional, and very informative. Panels were set up throughout the hotel’s conference room where a variety of topics were addressed including protecting free expression and protecting public broadcasting from those who wish to control and dominate its movement.
Participating in the discussions were many well-known public figures such as Eli Yishai (Minister of Interior), Yair Lapid (Reporter, Chairman of the “Yesh Atid” party), Moshe Kachlon (Minister of Communication), Yuval Shteinitz (Minister of Finance), MK Shelly Yechimovich (Labor party), Mayor of Haifa Yona Yahav, MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi, and Tzion Amir (Advocate to President Katzav).
Also participating were popular media figures including television anchor Haim Yavin, Amos Shoken (Haaretz), Ben Kaspit (Maariv), Shalom Kital (Yediot Aharonot), Roni Daniel (Arutz 2), Avi Weiss (Arutz 2), Judy Nir Moses (Yediot Aharonot), Dani Zaken (Chairman of Association of Journalists- Jerusalem) and Rotem Abrotzki (Chairman of Association of Journalists- Tel Aviv).The participants expressed sorrow over the decline of the Maariv newspaper and for the many reporters who remained jobless. There was also concern for the future of Arutz 10 and Arutz 1, which may also be at risk, and the future of members of the media in general.
A stormy occurrence took place during the panel discussing Netanyahu's relationship with the media. Yosi Sarid, previous Minister of Education, demonstrably got up and left the forum, after an offensive comment given by Dr. Dror Idar of Israel Today. Idar stated that he preferred to be a footstool to a Jewish man than to work for a newspaper owned by Nazi supporters. Idar was referring to owner of Haaretz Gershon Shoken's partner- the German Dumont family, who supposedly supported the Nazi regime. Emanuel Rozen, who led the panel, demanded an apology from Idar. Idar reluctantly submitted an apology.
Another unpleasant confrontation occurred when the main panel led by Oded Ben Ami addressed the implications of the murder of Yitzhak Rabin 17 years ago. MK Ahmed Tibi named Hagai Segal of the Makor Rishon newspaper a terrorist. Many left the room in protest and someone shouted at Mr. Tibi "You are an enemy of the State of Israel." Segal replied to Tibi’s accusation by reminding him of the many praises he has given for the Shahidim (martyrs).During the same panel, long-time radio anchor Hayim Yavin spoke about the state of the media in Israel today. Rather than become stronger with the aid of modern resources and technology, Yavin felt that the media has in fact become weaker- filled with nonsense, geared only for better ratings, offering no real substance or food for thought.
Despite moments of intensity, the conference provided an excellent platform for the exchange of thought-provoking ideas and solutions to problems faced by the media today. At the end of each day, a cocktail reception allowed participants to mingle and exchange ideas in a more relaxed atmosphere. Performances by Adir Miller, Miri Bouskila and Etniks added a fun and festive element to the conference.
