This is the 'Sir of Joy': the broadcaster who attracts tens of thousands of listeners every noon.

October 5, 2021   

Ami Maimon, host of the program "Hidodon" that airs every day on the radio station "Kol Berama", did not make this list of "the most influential journalists" because of news scoops he published or current opinion pieces. More on the topic: The Selection: The 25 Most Influential Media in Haredi Journalism 2021 The Rebbe of Politics: The Man Who Invented Haredi Political Commentary Foreshadowing and saying: The editor-in-chief who, after 10 years, can afford to smile A householder in the homes of the ultra-Orthodox public, a familiar face on the screens in the secular sector Knowledge and opinion have made the political commentator a sought-after interviewee. Father of the Revolution: The popular presenter whose voice is most recognizable in every Haredi home Erlich on Twitter: Between editing a prestigious magazine and inflammatory columns in Yedioth’ He is here because every day, between two and four in the afternoon, he attracts tens of thousands of listeners to his program, most of them young people and teenagers, many of whom compete on difficult and sometimes really complex halachic questions that he presents - in order to win valuable prizes. Ami Maimon began his media career on the Haredi-pirate radio station 'Kol Tzofiyech', where he hosted a morning program for several years - until the station was closed down by the police (and he was also arrested). When 'Kol Brama' was launched in 2009, he was hired by the station and began broadcasting a daily hour of music and quizzes. About a year later, when the ratings soared, the program was expanded to two hours. The program, which Maimon has been presenting continuously for 12 years, features Torah sections, and he hosts singers, sings himself, produces sketches, conducts interviews with people who have experienced miraculous stories ("They kept Shabbat and were saved from death! The unbelievable story of..."), displays humor and joy, which can be felt even beyond the studio, and talks in a humorous tone about current issues. Maimon defines the program's motto as Torah, waiting, connected to listeners, while motivating them to action. In short, 'making a difference.' The popularity of 'Khidudon' - which easily overtakes its competitor broadcasting in the same time slot on 'Kol Chai' radio, and tries to bite into the program's ratings without success - is clearly reflected every afternoon. Long before the program airs, 'Kol Berama' is flooded with thousands of phone calls from listeners eager to get on the air to talk to the presenter and try to solve the riddle - for which the prize sometimes reaches tens of thousands of shekels. Of course, it is impossible to answer most of the calls. The questions that have been published over the years on the program, and the answers to them, have all been compiled in the best-selling book 'Chidodon', published by author Haim Walder. As someone who makes his living as a sought-after DJ at celebrations and weddings, as well as at private events and huge gatherings, Maimon has managed to brand himself as the 'King of Joy'. He takes advantage of his popularity as a broadcaster and DJ to hit listeners - many of whom, according to the data, are secular - with halachic quibbles, but also recruits them for good deeds. There is a special section on his program dedicated to acts of kindness - in which he tries to help those who ask for his help. In addition to hosting the program with the highest ratings of all the programs (other than news and current affairs) broadcast on the Haredi radio station, Maimon also maintains an active Twitter account with 11,000 followers, where he posts videos and personal opinions, alongside accounts on Facebook and Instagram.