Ron Lauder Firms Grip on Israel’s Channel 10
American billionaire and President of the World Jewish Congress Ron Lauder is increasing his managerial hold on Channel 10, in what officials in the organization say will lead to relief in the tension between the media outlet and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of which Lauder is a major supporter.
Last week, Channel 10 head Yossi Warshavsky resigned after four years in office, saying he no longer had the strength to fight for the deficit-stricken channel’s survival. Warshavsky will be replaced by Channel 10 CFO Yoav Heldman.
On Thursday, the channel’s board of directors announced the nomination of several officials considered to be Lauder’s emissaries to the organization, in a move which effectively increases his influence on the channel’s day-to-day operation.
In the session, the board named Lauder aide Avi Balashnikov as deputy directorate chairman, a position which until now did not exist, as well as appointing Michal Greiski as head of the finance committee, which is made up of officials linked to Lauder as well as those linked to head of the directorate Yossi Meiman.
For more, go to Haaretz.com
