A storm on social media: The Israeli Film and Television Academy announced this morning (Monday) the finalists for the 2023 Television Awards ceremony - and announced the awarding of honorable mentions to southern and northern correspondents of the news systems, for coverage while risking their lives.
The awards will be presented to Robbie Hamershaleg, Itzik Zuaretz, Tamir Steinman, Guy Varon, Adar Gitsis, Nitzan Shapira, Ali Mughrabi and Almog Boker.
Channel 14 reporters in the north and south, including Ariel Idan, an ultra-Orthodox reporter, received nothing, which drew many reactions from media personnel and netizens.
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Media figure David Wertheim, editor of Walla Barangay, responded: "The fact that the 'Academy' is not giving an award to Channel 14's southern correspondent is a bit disgusting. They themselves say that this is not an award for journalistic excellence or anything, but 'coverage at the risk of life.' Didn't the 14 reporter risk his life? Political activity disguised as paragon. Not to the point.".
He added: "And one more thing - notice that the award recipients have in common - reporters who work in television. As if the reporters for news sites in the south and north weren't working and weren't on the front lines.".
Reporter Almog Boker from News 13 responded: "Thank you to the Academy for the selection. Each and every one of the regional reporters in the north and south deserves recognition. It's just not clear why they didn't also give it to Ariel Idan, Channel 14's southern correspondent who worked around the clock during the war and under fire. He deserves it too.".
Hillel Biton Rosen, a Channel 14 reporter, wrote on his Twitter account: "Ariel Idan entered places under fire at personal risk, Ati Shalev and Adir Lahakim served in Order 8 and then did not take a minute off, and reported from the border line amidst the exchange of fire. World champions, we love and appreciate you. You are our prize, and the prize of hundreds of thousands of viewers a day.".
Media figure Avi Greenzig responded: "The childish skipping of Channel 14's super-quality reporters will not make them disappear. Even if the academy really hopes that's what will happen.".
Channel 14 reporter Nati Langerman wrote on his Twitter account: "And Channel 14 reporters won't be honored because the academy regrets that they didn't risk their lives enough and died?""
Surfer Dvir Luger wrote: "The reporters of the channel that is consistently in second place in the ratings charts are not on the list. It's not by accident. The 'Academy' (whose members I don't know exactly) can award awards to their members and elegantly ignore Channel 14. Viewers at home will continue to trust.".
