Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation

Profile narrative

The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, known by its Hebrew acronym KAN, is the state‑owned public service broadcaster of Israel. It produces and distributes television, radio and online content aimed at informing, educating and entertaining the Israeli public. Its television offerings include news channels, general entertainment, cultural programming and children’s shows, broadcast over terrestrial and satellite platforms. KAN also operates several radio stations that provide news, music, talk and specialist programming in Hebrew, Arabic and Russian. Through its website and mobile applications the corporation streams live broadcasts and offers on‑demand access to its audiovisual archive.

As the national broadcaster, KAN’s services are available throughout Israel, reaching audiences in urban and rural areas alike. The corporation’s mandate is to serve all segments of Israeli society, including linguistic and cultural minorities, which is reflected in its multilingual output. KAN’s online presence extends its reach beyond traditional broadcast, allowing viewers to watch live and catch‑up content on smartphones, tablets and computers. The organization contributes to national events and public discourse, notably by hosting Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Its role as a public service entity is defined by law, requiring it to maintain editorial independence while fulfilling a universal service obligation.

Distinguishing attributes of KAN include its status as a non‑commercial broadcaster funded primarily by a household license fee and state allocations. Unlike commercial rivals, KAN is prohibited from carrying advertising that could compromise its public service mission, relying instead on alternative revenue streams. The corporation houses specialized news divisions that produce investigative reports, breaking news coverage and international correspondents. Structurally, KAN is a public corporation owned by the State of Israel, having replaced the former Israel Broadcasting Authority in 2017 under the Broadcasting Law. This legal framework places KAN under the oversight of a government‑appointed council while guaranteeing operational autonomy in editorial matters.

Incidents

2 incidents linked to this organisation.