Communications (Broadcasting) Law, 5786-2026

The new law aims to update the Communications (Telecommunications and Broadcasting) Law and other broadcasting laws, to fit regulation to technological changes in the broadcasting market. It creates a new authority, the "Broadcast Media Authority" (the Authority), which will replace the Cable and Satellite Council and the Second Authority for Television and Radio. The Authority will be responsible for regulating the broadcasting market, overseeing content providers, promoting competition, ensuring access to content of public importance, and protecting minors. Main changes: New authority: the "Broadcast Media Authority" is set up and will merge the powers of the Cable and Satellite Council and the Second Authority for Television and Radio. The Authority will be independent and non-profit. Registering content providers: any content provider with annual income of more than 40 million shekels from activity in Israel, or that receives significant funding, will have to register in the content providers registry. Providers that do not meet certain conditions (for example, annual income below 40 million shekels) will be exempt from some of the duties. Investment in local productions: registered content providers will have to invest part of their income in local productions. The minimum investment rate will start at 6.5% of annual income in 2027 and rise gradually to 6.5% in 2032. Of this amount, at least 10% will go to high-end local productions (such as drama and documentary). Protecting sports and news content: rules are set to ensure the supply of sports content of public importance and news. Content providers with commercial channels will have to offer this content for sale to other bodies on fair terms. Separating content: content providers with commercial channels will have to sell their sports content separately from other content, to promote competition. Protecting minors: the Authority will set rules to protect minors from harmful content. Accessibility: content providers will have to provide accessibility features for people with disabilities, such as subtitles, sign language interpretation and audio description. Changes to existing laws: the new law amends many existing laws, including the Communications (Telecommunications and Broadcasting) Law, the Second Authority for Television and Radio Law, and other laws on broadcasting, advertising and consumer protection. Effective dates: some provisions take effect at different times, some immediately on publication and some gradually until 2032. The new Authority is expected to be set up and begin work within 90 days of the law's publication. The duties to invest in local productions will begin in 2027.

Source: חוק - פרסום ברשומות