Tel-Chai Nation

Once again, the ridiculous bill against free newspapers specifically intended to target Israel Hayom has been revived, by a Labor MK no less. While the bill has been postponed, it's still very offensive, particularly the alarming participation of several right-wing politicians in supporting it. One writer notes in the paper's defense:

The media industry in Israel is obviously in trouble. That is not news, and it really has nothing to do with the fact that Israel Hayom entered the game. Print journalism hasn't been able to maintain its business model for years, and it is not because of Israel Hayom, it is because of the Internet and the news sites. That is the reason that free newspapers came to be, and not just here in Israel. Trying to force the public to pay for something that it can currently get for free goes against everything that the government should be doing to combat the rising cost of living.

If they start coming up with laws forbidding free papers, will they next start to require people to pay for using websites?

Those right-wing politicians supporting it might want to consider that 2 Shas members who initially signed onto the bill later withdrew their support. If Jewish Home continues any support for the bill in contrast to the twosome who withdrew theirs, it could look even stranger, and hurt Jewish Home at a time when a party is needed as an alternative to Shas. Do they really want to give Shas another extension when such a party will only cause more trouble so long as they're still around?

Labels: Israel, Knesset, Moonbattery, political corruption