NEWSLETTER

I’lam, Media Center for Arab Palestinians in Israel

Arab ABOUT
Palestinian Journalists
I’LAM, Media CenterRights
for ArabatPalestinians
Risk in Israel
in Israel
Inside this Issue…
I’lam, Media CenterAtfora Arab
time Palestinians
when thoseinwithin
Israel, Israel most need organization
is a non-for-profit accurate andbased
reliable information,
in Nazareth. attempts
I’lam was to stifle
founded in 2000
1 Journalists Rights independent reporting are at an all time high. This was the conclusion of the latest report
by a group of Arab Palestinian journalists and academics. As the only Arab Palestinian media organization in Israel, I’lam of I'lam, Media
is deeply
at Risk incommitted
Israel
Center for Arab Palestinians in Israel. "Media Violations in Israel", released this June, investigated more
to the democratization of media policies, media practices, and the media landscape in Israel. Our approach is two-fold:
1 About I’lam
than 30 cases of media rights violations within Israel, and found that Israeli Authorities are violating the
The Media Rights Program supports impartiality,
legal, professional fairness,
and physical andof
rights equity
ArabofPalestinian
Israeli media policy in conformity
journalists with democratic
at nearly every level. values.
Furthermore we encourage Israeli media institutions and practitioners to adapt more professional and unbiased standards in their
2 Production
coverage of Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel.
Center The report outlines 14 categories of violations ranging from the unjustified arrest/detention of journalists to
In our Empowerment theProgram,
unlawfulweconfiscation of materials
aim to empower to physicalmedia
the Arab Palestinian abuse. The result
landscape is thatbyjournalists
and society in Israel
promoting equal face
access to
2 Arab Palestinians challengesfair
at every
flow ofstage of reporting: from acquiring a license, to investigating and attaining information
the Israeli media, encouraging
in the Israeli
Issue 2 /
informationJuly
and 2004
representation at media bodies and institutions, and fostering
from official sources. Those in violation of journalists’ rights include police, shabaq and even Knesset
professional standards.
Media members.
With its commitment to media democracy, expertise, professionalism and high level of staff motivation, I’lam plays an important
3 Responsible
role and
in invigorating The
civil report
societyisand
Professional Media thepromoting democracy
first phase and human
of an intensive rights
media in Israel. project that will explore the relationship
monitoring
between the Arabic media and Israeli Authorities. The project will continue to investigate and document
3 Commercial cases of media rights violations. I’lam staff will prepare information in English to disseminate amongst
Channel in Arabic journalists' councils, media institutions and international organizations. I'lam will also mobilize local
journalists to demand (1) investigations into media rights violations, (2) the punishment of those
4 Media Reform responsible and (3) legal reforms.
5 Arab Palestinians Relevant sections of “Media Rights Violations” have been forwarded to media institutions. I’lam received
and the Citizen’s
Committee
a positive response from local NGOs and Knesset members, who have initiated contact with the
organization. Channel 1 Media Affairs program is developing a special based on the report which will
5 Propaganda Channel air on the 28th of July, 2004.
Cancelled

6 Updates

I’lam’s Production Center: A Unique Initiative for Empowerment

I’lam’s Empowerment Program is designed to empower the Arab Palestinian community, and specifically the Arab Palestinian
media, through capacity building, media education, media training, consultation and documentation. The Production Center is a
cornerstone of this Empowerment Programming – it offers Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel a unique opportunity to explore the
fascinating field of audio-visual productions while providing activities and training to meet the media needs of this community.
Some specific projects include:

I’LAM, Media Center for Arab Palestinians in Israel Newsletter / Issue 2

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I’lam, Media Center for Arab Palestinians in Israel
Profile Films: I’lam works with local NGOs to develop profile films. These films allow the organization to promote its work to a
broad audience, from the local community to international donors. In 2004, the Center worked with the Center for Challenged
Individuals in Nazareth to produce a short profile of the organization.

Documentary Services: The Production Center actively researches and documents critical events in Arab Palestinian public life
and civil society. This year, the Center filmed some very meaningful events including Naqba and Land Day. The Center has also
offered its services to local NGO’s, Beit Al Musica and MADA, the Arab Center for Applied Social Research. The documentary
work was provided for these groups at very low costs, and offered these groups a service they would otherwise be unable to afford.

Arab Palestinian Citizens: At Margins of Israeli Media

In the Israeli media, there is an alarming dearth of coverage
on the social, cultural and political life Arab Palestinian
citizens. The limited coverage that does exist is wrought
with bias and misinformation. One recent study found that
of all journalistic reports in Israeli newspapers, only two
percent deal with issues related to the Arab Palestinian
society in Israel. 80-90% of those reports were negative –
portraying the community as a threat to the “security” of the
State.
This widespread problem can be attributed to the fact that
information on the Arab Palestinian community is garnered,
almost exclusively, from so-called experts – police, security
and Orientalists.
In this context, the challenge is to improve both the quantity
of sources, to provide relevant information to the Hebrew
media and to encourage journalists/editors with the Hebrew
media to consult alternative sources.
With this aim, I'lam developed a number of projects
collectively called, "Improving the Coverage of Arab
Palestinians in the Hebrew media". The program aims to:
 Encourage and facilitate increased coverage of
issues relevant to Arab Palestinian citizens in Israel
In April 2004, I'lam began to offer guided tours for
journalists and editors from the Hebrew media with an aim
to raise awareness about the realities of Arab Palestinian
citizens, and to facilitate encounters and dialogue with Arab
Palestinian representatives, journalists, and opinion leaders.
The first tour brought together 14 journalists from different
Hebrew media outlets and 3 foreign journalists for a tour
through Nazareth, Reni, Ein Mahel and Nazareth Illit.
I’lam also recently launched the Weekly Newsletter, which
attempts to bring Arab Palestinian issues to the forefront of
the Israeli media. The Newsletter disseminates news stories
concerning Arab Palestinian life to Hebrew media for
inclusion in their articles and broadcasts.
The media has responded well to this initiative. Since the
launch of the newsletter in June, 17 journalists have
contacted I’lam for further information on featured stories.
Miki Miron, a well-known anchorperson with Radio Reshet
Bet recognized the importance of this project. In March, he
invited I’lam’s Kholod Masalha to become a temporary
contributor to the weekly Sha’at Hivra (Society Hour)
where she will be able to highlight issues of importance to
the Arab Palestinian community.

 Improve existing coverage of Arab Palestinian

citizens of Israel - promoting balanced, responsible,
fair, and accurate coverage.

 Raise awareness and change negative attitudes

among media practitioners from the Hebrew media
about the reality and situation of Arab Palestinians.

I’LAM, Media Center for Arab Palestinians in Israel Newsletter / Issue 2

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I’lam, Media Center for Arab Palestinians in Israel

Responsible and Professional Media

3 May 2004 – World Press Freedom Day – In an evening reception NGO representatives, embassy officials, and local journalists
gathered to celebrate the launch of "Responsible and Professional Media," a project funded by the European Union
Speaking at the reception, I’lam’s General Director, Haneen Zoubi emphasized I’lam’s ability to talk to both societies: “the Arab
Palestinian society and the Jewish society in Israel in a way that is professional and committed to democracy.”

This July I’lam’s board and staff met for a two-day strategic planning session in Jerusalem. The first day was dedicated to a
comprehensive and detailed discussion of I’lam’s programs and EU project within the overall framework and mandate of I’lam.
The second day of Strategic Planning was dedicated to review the administrative and organizational details of the “Professional
and Responsible Media”. Staff members reviewed timelines, reporting procedures, and the logical framework – discussing both
.expectations and challenges
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Commercial Channel’s Programming Proposal Rejected by Public Committee

In 1996, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority announced the forthcoming release of a tender for the country’s first Arabic
Commercial Channel. After years of postponements and bureaucratic delays, the tender was finally released in 2003.
Ananey Communications, the only company to apply for the tender, won the bid for the Arabic Commercial Channel.
Nevertheless, their initial programming suggestion was rejected by an Independent Advisory Committee, composed of three media
experts. The proposed programming consisted of entertainment – including music, sports, and fashion. There was a complete lack
of political, educational and cultural programming. Moreover, the proposed programming displayed a complete lack of knowledge
about Arab Palestinian society in Israel.
It is clear that the lack of competition has encouraged a low quality programming proposal and a unwillingness to invest sufficient
resources. The Cable and Satellite Authority conditioned acceptance of the channel’s proposed programming on a thorough
improvement of the proposal.
I’lam formulated a position paper in which we emphasized the necessity of a reliable and professional Arabic Commercial
Channel, one which involves local Arab Palestinian media capacities and promotes local Arab Palestinian productions. The paper
holds that the only way for this channel to be viable and sustainable is to fulfill the special communicational needs of the Arab
Palestinian citizens of Israel. In other words, to honestly reflect the political, social and cultural reality of Arab Palestinian society
and to produce qualitative programs that reflect a commitment to the reality of Arab Palestinian citizens.
This position paper was presented to Ananey Communication and the Cable and Satellite Authority.
Audi Miron, Director of Ananey Communications, declared in a meeting that Ananey Communications fully agrees with I’lam’s
position paper and is committed to fulfilling the aims and strategies outlined within this document.
In recent months I'lam has:
1. Submitted a list of more than 100 Arab Palestinian media professionals to encourage the hiring of qualified Arab Palestinians.
2. Organized a roundtable (June 22, 2004) for Arab Palestinian media professionals in which 35 participants formulated a set of
recommendations for the Arabic Commercial Channel. These participants emphasized the need to hire Arab Palestinian
professionals according to professional qualifications - based on clear criteria and the need to include local productions and
emphasis in current affair programs.
3. Requested detailed information regarding the hiring process, especially for critical decision making positions such as director of
channel and director of programming.

I’LAM, Media Center for Arab Palestinians in Israel Newsletter / Issue 2

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I’lam, Media Center for Arab Palestinians in Israel

I’LAM, Media Center for Arab Palestinians in Israel Newsletter / Issue 2

 Recent Shooting of Arab Palestinian Youths Highlights Need for Media Reform

18 April, 2004 – Kfar Kana - Israeli conclusions without

border police shot and killed 20 year  The Israeli media sufficient information
old Mohammed Khatib of Kfar Kana, adopted the police’s
seriously wounding his companion, version of events The coverage of this incident indicates
Alaa Nousba of Kfar Manda.  Israeli media that the Israeli media has yet to
disregarded recognize or embrace its most basic
In official reports police claimed that witnesses’ accounts function – to critically examine and
the two youths had opened fire on a and did not cover the expose the operation of the government
Border Patrol vehicle passing through demands of the on behalf of the public.
the junction of Kfar Kana and Toran Knesset Members and
Roads. the local Kfar Kana The media, which continues to align
Council to establish itself with the government, has adopted
Witnesses, however, vehemently an investigative a biased and unbalanced approach in its
dispute these claims, recalling that only committee. coverage of Arab citizens of Israel.
one round of shots was heard. Within this atmosphere other
 The media did not
institutions will find it difficult to
critically examine the
The coverage of this incident in the derive a meaningful and substantial
actions of the police
Hebrew national media (April 18 and lesson for the events of October 2000
April 19) was characterized by the  The media issued and the OR Report
following: accusations and drew

Black October & The Or Commission of Inquiry

On September 28, 2000, the right wing Likud leader, Ariel Sharon attempted to forcibly enter the Al-Aksa Mosque in East Jerusalem.
When Arab citizens attempted to prevent Sharon from entering the mosque, police responded with alarming force, brutally beating the
protestors. It was this infamous visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site of the Islamic faith, that gave birth to more than a month
of violence between the police and both Jewish and Arab demonstrators in which 13 Arabs died at the hands of police and IDF forces.

In the months following the violence, the OR Commission was established as a judicial inquiry to investigate the 13 deaths and
hundreds of injuries.

The OR Report, released in June of 2003, found the Israeli government guilty of a pattern of prejudice and neglect towards the Arab
minority. The Report accused police of using excessive force.

The three member commission identified a number of deep seated factors that contributed to the violence. Among them:

• The lack of clear and systematic policies regulating the use of lethal force

• The failure to document and investigate incidents in which the police resorted to violence

• The absence of any system to internalize and implement new policies

The general findings of the OR Commission, the Committee of Inquiry into the events of Black October, held that police use undue
force against Arab and resort more easily to violence when dealing with Arab suspects.
Arab Palestinian Citizens: Facing Unique Challenges in the Israeli Media
In April 2004, I’LAM Programs’ Coordinator, Kholod Masalha, was invited to participate in the Citizen’s Committee. The committee worked for
several months to craft a declaration on the media’s performance in Israel and gave general recommendations on the role of media in society and
about the obligations of media towards its citizens.
Ms. Masahla struggled to convey to this committee that Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel are a national minority and at the same time the
indigenous people of Israel. The problems and challenges they encounter within the media are unique. In a symbolic gesture, Ms. Masalha
resigned from the Committee. She explained that she was unable to work with a Committee that did not recognize the unique position and needs
of the Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel. Her resignation letter was published in Ha’aretz.

Israeli Arabic Propaganda Channel Cancelled, Arabic Programming Transferred

From 1990 to 2002, all Arabic language programming on Israeli (public) television was on Channel One, a State TV network operated by
the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA). Channel One reserverd only 2% of its programming, 20 hours a week, for Arabic language
content. This, despite the fact that Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel comprise nearly 20% of the population. The great majority of this
programming was heavily censored by the Israeli government and consisted of low quality, stereotyped productions, mainly produced by
Jewish media people. No independent or alternative political, cultural, or social productions were broadcast.
In October 2002, Israeli media authorities cancelled all Arabic programs on public Channel One, transferring them to a new Satelliete
Channel. This new channel, operated by the Israel Broadcasting Authority, is marketed, not to the Arab Palestinian citiznes of Israel, but
to the Arab world outside. It is considered by many to be highly propagandistic. Indeed, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has deemed it
Israel's answer to "the propaganda coming from the Arab world".
Commenting on the satellite channel, Israeli media expert, Mustafa Kabaha said, "This is supervised media whose first priorty is to
explain the positions of the State. You can see it in the terminology and the selection of interviewers." Kabaha, like many other experts in
the field, predicted that this proprogandistic media will not be gain the trust of Arab viewers. "The era of propaganda has passed," he
said, "In its current form, I don’t think many people will watch this station." (quote from Joel Greenberg, New York Times 06/07/02). It
seems Kabaha's predictions were right. In January of 2004, the station, which had been operating on a budget of less the $20 million, was
cancelled due to insufficient funds.
Currently, all Arab language programming has been either cancelled or transferred to the public television channel 33. It is a step in the
right direction, as, unlike the Satellite channel, the Arab Palestinian community has equal access to this station. It is unfortunate though,
that Arabic language programming, content that is designed for more than 20% of the population, has been delegated to such a marginal
channel. The IBA itself has declared Channel One, which is now solely Hebrew lanaguage programming, “the countries principal and
most influential channel of media communications.”

In recent months the Ministry of Communications has decided to establish a Public Advisory Committee to oversee the transfer of Arab
language programming. I’lam has been actively following developments in the transfer of Arabic programming, as well as the
establishment of the Public Advisory Committee. I’lam’s Advocacy Coordinator, Maysaa Abu El-Haija, attended a recent debate at the
Knesset on the transfer to observe the proceedings and ensure that I’lam’s position was known. In recent months the Advocacy Center
produced a list of Arab Palestinians who could potentially serve the Public Advisory Committee and has been promoting the inclusion of
more local Arab Palestinian content on Channel 33.

Funding
The New Israel Fund extended current funding for an
additional two years. The Ford Israel Fund gave initial
approval for a grant to cover general organizational
expenses and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign
Affairs agreed to extend present funding for an additional
year. I’lam views these fundraising developments as a
sign of great confidence in our work to democratize the
Israeli media. We would like to take this opportunity to
thank both old and new donors for their trust and
support.
Audio –Visual Training
In response to a number of requests, I’lam organized a
short practical course in film-making for local Arab
women. The course, specially tailored for the women of
Dabburiya village, aims to empower local Arab women
in media technology. The training runs from June to
August of 2004 and includes practical training sessions,
where the women can get hands-on experience in audio-
visual production and theoretical courses on women’s
.human rights and other relevant topics
BOARD
Wadea Awawdy, Journalist & Author
Rana Balan, Media Lecturer
Anton Shalhat, Journalist & Editor
Marzouk Halabi, Group Facilitator & Columnist
Mustafa Kabaha, Ph.D., Lecturer
I'lam Newsletter
Journalist Training
Intensive Training for Arab Journalists will begin in Fall
2004. The program, led by two core trainers (both
investigative reporters,) will provide 10 – 15 journalists
with more than 100 hours of in-depth training in print
news, human rights and investigative reporting. The
program will consist of 15 sessions, based in Jaffa, and
will feature 50 lectures by media experts as well as visits
to media institutions. Calls for applications were
recently published in local Arab newspapers. To date,
I’lam has fielded over 40 applications. Applications will
be accepted until August 6th. Applications from women
are especially encouraged. For further details, please
contact Kholod Masalha.
Forum of Journalists
May 28, 2004 - The Forum of Journalists convened for
the third meeting. This Forum is the first permanent
connection between Arab journalists in Israel. Members
are investing important efforts to create both momentum
and cooperation. In the most recent meeting participants
agrees that the current priority is to fortify confidence
and cooperation within the Forum.
STAFF
Haneen Zoubi, General Director
Heidi Paredes, Development Director
Kholod Masalha, Empowerment Program
Maysaa Abu El-Haija, Media Rights Program
Nadim Natour, Production Center
Amal Jamal, Media Researcher
Mona Zaher, Research Assistant
Yathreb Zoubi, Media Monitoring Assistant
Hanna Shames, Freelancer & Practical Trainer