Channel 1 will be showcasing some of its crown jewels for Israel's 60th anniversary - the masses of archive material it holds in its vaults.
By GREER FAY CASHMANnikui rosh 224.88(photo credit: Courtesy)
One area in which Channel 1 has the advantage over its commcercial channel rival is the masses of archive material in its treasure box: although Israel television is only in its 40th year, that is some two decades older than its oldest rival, Channel 2. The public service channel will be showcasing many of those crown jewels in its programming during this 60th anniversary year of the state.
Channel 1 also has the rights to many films made before the late beginnings of Israel TV and will launch a weekly series screening the best of Israeli cinema from 1948 onwards.
On the musical side, the public will get a chance to cast a vote for Israel's most popular Israeli song within a series featuring songs written during the past 60 years. The series, which starts in mid-March, is comprised of six programs featuring ten songs each to represent a particular decade. A panel of experts will make their choice and the public will make theirs. Where possible, the songs will be presented by the singers who made them famous.
Yoav Ginai, known for researching and hosting programs related to broadcast history, will host a series highlighting the most interesting events that influenced society and were given expression through television. The series will include both live interviews and archive footage, some never seen before. Both the footage and the interviews will include figures who played pivotal roles in the development of the nation, as well as people who were involved in programs that kept viewers glued to their television sets.
Some of these will be re-screened in greater content or in full as part of a series titled The Best of Israeli Television in its First 40 Years.
Singer and songwriter Yigal Bashan, who hosts a weekly overview on Friday afternoons on Israel Radio's Reshet Bet, will conduct an interview series with 60 people from different walks of life who have impressed him most: the eclectic list includes journalist Tali Lipkin-Shahak, industrialist Stef Wertheimer, singer Harel Moyal, pianist Rami Kleinstein, comedian Sefi Rivlin and actor Shaike Levy among others.
Moving forward, IBA has created a new original series called The Crocodile, the nickname of the successful record producer who is its hero. The 12 episodes focus on his professional and private life.
Then there's an original animated series, with the interim title of Quarter of an Hour. The plot revolves around a news magazine and is based on current affairs.
Channel One will also pay tribute to Army Radio, which was founded in 1950, and will run a documentary on its history. The impact of reserve soldiers on life and security in Israel is the subject of another documentary - in six episodes.
Another six-part documentary series looks at culture and fashion in Israel, focusing on changing trends. A Light Unto the Nations is the ironic title for a mini-series that details the history of crime in Israel, slated to start soon.
Sport programs for the most part will be geared to the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing.
A regular motoring magazine will present anything and everything one wants to know about two and four-wheeled modes of transport along with tips on road safety.
Our Country is a new program in which participants will discuss what people have done to improve or pollute the environment.
The Broadcasting Authority Law requires the IBA to cater to different segments of the population, especially those whose culture and problems are seldom if ever reflected on commercial channels. In a recent press conference, the IBA declared it would address this charge with greater emphasis.
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