Production companies Keshet and Reshet have launched their own 24-hour TV channels in Israel, following a shakeup in the country’s broadcasting sector.
The companies, who have operated as franchisees of Channel 2 since 1993, have a range of popular reality and game shows. Keshet broadcasts Israel’s version of Master Chef, Bake Off Israel and satirical show Eretz Nehederet, while Reshet provides local versions of Big Brother, The Voice and The X Factor.Keshet and Reshet are still able to share news and current affairs content from the Israeli News Company, but from 1 November 2017 this will be carried on their independent channels Keshet 12 and Rashet 11, instead of on Channel 2.
Keshet also promises a raft of new programming, including six new dramas, and a reality show featuring singing stars Eyal Golan and Aviv Gefen.
“Keshet’s move to seven-day broadcasting opens an important new chapter in both the journey of our company, as we double our output of scripted and non-scripted programming, as well as the country’s history of commercial television,” Keshet Media Group CEO Avi Nir told Variety.
The changes in Israel’s broadcast sector will also see Channel 10 re-named Esser and moved to Channel 14. All three commercial TV channels are also now available in high definition under their renewed licences, although initially only for subscribers to cable or Yes direct-to-home services.
Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, which in May took over from what was Channel 1, remains on Channel 11.
