Galei Tzahal, the popular army radio station, is about to be transferred to civilian ownership, after 43 years as the voice of the Israel Defense Force.
The change is a direct result of budgetary cutbacks imposed on the IDF and the strong opinions of its new chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak, who doesn’t think an army has any business broadcasting news, commentary and entertainment to the general public.
The army radio was a legacy of the British Mandate, which ended in 1948. It grew out of the experiences of the 30,000 Jews who served in the Palestinian units of the British armed forces during World War II and became the nucleus of the IDF when the State of Israel was founded.
Recalling how Britain’s Armed Forces Radio Services provided morale-boosting music, news and humor for homesick “Tommies” in North Africa and Europe, the IDF’s fledgling general staff decided the Israeli army should have its own radio station, too.
Unlike its British and American counterparts, Galei Tzahal did not beam its programs to soldiers in far-off lands but broadcast to Israeli soldiers and civilians alike at home.
Barak, who is rapidly putting his personal stamp on the IDF, thinks that is anomalous.
He believes it improper that 19- or 20-year-old soldiers working as reporters should interview veteran politicians on controversial subjects or express opinions on the air that do not always conform with General Headquarters policy.
Barak has already shut down 30 IDF professional journals and other publications, ostensibly for budgetary reasons. Now he intends to eliminate Galei Tzahal’s $9 million annual budget.
The 235 soldiers, mainly reservists who staff the station, will be transferred to other units, although some may stay in their present jobs under contract to whomever takes over the radio.
The 64 civilian employees are concerned about their pension and seniority rights under the new management.
The inheritors of Galei Tzahal have not been announced, but three options are known to be under consideration.
The radio station could be handed over to the Educational Television Authority for operation. It could be integrated into Israel Radio, or the Israel Broadcast Authority could attach it to the commercial Second Television Channel.
Educational TV is considered the most likely parent. Galei Tzahal could become part of a proposed Public Education Communications Network.
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