The IBA is to close down at the end of March 2016, at which time a new, more streamlined and cost-efficient public broadcasting service is to be launched.
By GREER FAY CASHMANAyala Hasson(photo credit: OYOYOY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS)
Even though she has tendered her resignation and it is public knowledge that she is moving to a rival network, veteran Israel Broadcasting Authority political reporter, commentator and news and current affairs anchor Ayala Hasson will be permitted her swan song and will be broadcasting for the last time on IBA on Thursday and Friday.On Thursday she will be heard for the final time on Israel Radio’s Reshet Bet, when she anchors Hakol Diburim (It’s all talk), the popular, long-lasting current affairs program, whose previous hosts, with the exception of one who retired, have all gone to greener pastures; and on Friday she will present her concluding Yoman, the roundup of the week’s news and current affairs on Channel 1.Notwithstanding the fact that two days have elapsed since her decision to move from Channel 1 to Channel 10 was widely publicized via electronic and print media, the IBA has not yet announced who will succeed her on either radio or television, or who will take over her role as head of Channel 1’s news division.Hasson was the first woman to be appointed to direct the Channel 1 news division in the 47 years that it has been in existence. She was appointed in August last year after the IBA went into liquidation.According to legislation by the Knesset, the IBA is to close down at the end of March 2016, at which time a new, more streamlined and cost-efficient public broadcasting service is to be launched.So far, progress on the latter has been slow, and current employees of the IBA are doubtful that the deadline can be met.