Mossawa Demands Fair Representation for Arab Citizens during Election Campaign

Mossawa, the Advocacy Center for Arab Citizens in Israel, has called on the Israel Broadcast Authority, the Second Authority for Television and Radio, and the Cable Council to ensure appropriate and fair representation for Arab citizens in the run up to the Knesset elections scheduled for March 17. In a letter from its legal department to these organizations, Mossawa cites the serious underrepresentation of Arab citizens and their political representatives in the talk shows and news programs carried on television and radio in Israel.

Mossawa Center Director Jafar Farah.

Mossawa Center Director Jafar Farah. (Photo: Sapir College)

Research published by the Second Authority for Television and Radio has revealed a disturbing underrepresentation of the Arab community in the Israeli media. Arab citizens, who make up approximately 20% of the population, constitute less than 3% of studio personnel and 2% of the personalities in current affairs and political talk show programs, while 99% of broadcast hosts are Jewish.

Mossawa Center Director, Jafar Farah said: “It is the indisputable right of the Arab community to express their opinions and have their voice heard without any barriers or restrictions. Therefore, it is the duty of all broadcasting channels, both pubic and commercial, to allow for an authentic and proportional expression of views from the Arab minority.”

At the close of its letter, Mossawa demanded that broadcasters comply with their duty by highlighting the voices of Arab citizens. Specifically, it called on them to provide adequate space for the freedom of expression by increasing the number of Arab personalities and commentators in both news and talk show programming in order to bring attention to the unique problems and issues of the Arab population.

Mossawa (“Equality” in Arabic), aims to promote the economic, social, cultural and political rights of the Palestinian citizens in Israel, and the recognition of this community as a national indigenous minority, with their own national, cultural, and historical distinctiveness. The Center develops programs to promote a democratic society, and acts against all forms of discrimination based on race, nationalism, religious affiliation, social status, gender, and disabilities.