IBA to issue tenders for Channel 1, Arab TV directors

The IBA is seeking to reinvent itself, and has concluded that it can do so only by injecting new blood at the top levels of its operations.

By GREER FAY CASHMAN
iba 88 (photo credit: )
iba 88
(photo credit: )
The Israel Broadcasting Authority will publish tenders this week to choose the directors of Channel 1 and Arabic Television from outside its own ranks. This follows an agreement with the Jerusalem Journalists Association whereby internal tenders would be issued, and in the event that no suitable candidate was found, management could turn to external sources. In its desire to offer stiff competition to Channels 2 and 10, the IBA is seeking to reinvent itself, and has concluded that it can do so only by injecting new blood at the top levels of its operations. The new directors will be responsible for managing broadcast content, as well as the various creative, technical and administrative sections within the IBA. Most importantly, they must be capable of adhering to budget. In the past there was a tendency to significantly exceed projected production costs. The two new directors will also be charged with ensuring that all program line-ups reflect the rules laid down in the Broadcasting Authority Law. They will need approval from the IBA administration for the implementation of all projects. Qualifications required for the two positions include: an academic degree; proven senior management capability; and a broad knowledge and understanding of culture, the arts, history and politics of the world at large and of Israel in particular. The new director of Arabic Television must also have an in-depth familiarity with Middle East history, culture, arts and politics, as well as the Arab and Muslim world. He or she must also have an intimate knowledge of the culture, history and daily politics of Israeli Arabs and of the various Israeli institutions and organizations that deal with minorities. Once the two directors are chosen, it will pave the way for the publication for tenders for numerous other vacancies. Last Tuesday, the Knesset's Economic and Finance committees ordered the Treasury to pay IBA employees a three-month advance on salaries as an act of good faith in the continuing negotiations between IBA Union representatives, IBA management and the Finance Ministry. The ministry was given 72 hours in which to transfer the money to the employees, but by 4 p.m. Sunday the transfers had not been made. IBA chairman Moshe Gavish, who for months has found himself apologizing to employees who did not receive their salaries on time, on Sunday called on the Finance Ministry to honor the agreements reached at last week's meeting, whereby the Treasury would transfer October, November and December salaries with the understanding that the reforms would go into effect. He said employees should not be penalized for the 40 percent reduction in licensing fees on television receivers. Gavish said he was hopeful salaries would be paid by the end of the week.