Television presenter Yaakov Ayalon announced today (Wednesday) that he is leaving the "Mabat" edition and public broadcasting.
Ayalon is moving to the Walla website, where he will serve as the main anchor and head of the news broadcast system for the site's news studio. Ayalon will also head a team that will be involved in formulating and developing innovative news video formats.
According to Nati Toker, media correspondent for The Marker, Ayalon's move to Walla reflects the site's attempts to become a full-fledged television news site. The Marker recently reported that Walla has also recruited Channel 1's head of foreign news, Oren Nahari.
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Until now, the person who led Walla's video news broadcasts was Dov Gilhar.
According to Toker, Ayalon's move to Walla Walla is a severe blow to the public broadcasting corporation "Kan." The director of the news division, Yoram Cohen, said that it is a "severe loss.".
Walla CEO Ilan Yeshua said: "I am delighted with Yaakov's decision to join Walla!NEWS. He is one of the most prominent news people in Israel, and his joining is part of an overall move to ensure Walla's continued leadership in the field of news.".
Yaakov Ayalon said: "Walla! NEWS is one of the most significant and leading media outlets in Israel and I am happy about the fascinating challenge and opportunity to build the next generation of online news broadcasts together with Walla.".
In his farewell letter from Channel 1, Ayalon wrote:
""Today I informed Yoram Cohen of my request to end my position at Channel 1 in a few weeks to embark on a new path in the private market. In the last two years, I have seen employees retire after 20, 30 and 40(!) years. I was devastated.
In these two years, I have also seen a group of people working under difficult conditions, probably the most difficult in the history of the Broadcasting Authority. Despite uncertainty, dwindling resources, and difficult personal feelings, every evening a Mabat edition airs that respects its creators. Recently, we have seen an increase in interest on Channel 1 and in viewership and discussion on social media – which emphasizes the fact that it is possible to make a relevant and successful public broadcast.
No less important - during these two years we enjoyed complete journalistic freedom without any interference or pressure of any kind. For this, I have my appreciation for the KNAR and the current management of the Israel Broadcasting Authority.
"I wish each and every one of you a better year. You deserve it.".
