Opinion & Comment
Observations: Russian President to Make Aliyah?

Two Russian communication channels, a public television station and what is generally considered the official government station, have joined Melroz Communications, which is vying for the tender for the operation of a Russian- language communications channel (television) in Israel aimed at new Russian immigrants.

And as if that was not enough, following an inquiry into the identity of the two Russian channels that are slated to forge a partnership with the new Israeli channel, it emerges that Russian president Vladimir Putin has control and direct influence over the two channels.

According to available information, the two Russian channels under Putin's control will have 25 percent of the ownership, which they will acquire through direct investment or by providing Russian-language programming for the Israeli channel.

In response to the addition of the official Russian channels to the tender for the operation of the Russian-language channel in Israel, immigrants from the former Soviet Union say they are concerned that direct control by the Russian president could influence the channels' contents and political climate. "Don't worry," said representatives, in an attempt to allay their concerns, "President Putin is known to be a fan of Israel."

What next? Perhaps the state will allow Arab officials to vie for the acquisition of an Israeli channel that would broadcast Israeli propaganda in Arabic!

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