Israel’s ‘YES’ to dump CNN
September 20, 2012
By Chris Forrester
Last year Israel’s HOT cable MSO dropped CNN from its schedule replacing the US news channel with MSNBC’s service. Now DTH platform YES is following suit.
YES says it is currently looking for an alternative news channel, which will require the approval of Israel’s Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Council.
Local reports say CNN will go dark at the end of the year, and YES is citing the high carriage fees levied by CNN. This is reportedly the third time CNN has been removed from the region, although back in 2007 YES was in a financial dispute with CNN.
YES, in a statement, said: “We have decided not to renew the contract with the CNN channel, which ends at the end of the year. The company offers a variety of news channels in the English language, including Sky News, BBC World, Bloomberg, Fox News and more.”
CNN, in response, said: “CNN is looking into ways to continue bringing the channel’s news to Israel. It should be noted that the US elections are approaching, and in light of the ongoing dynamics in the region and the global events affecting all of us, there is a need for independent and objective journalism.”
Satellite-equipped viewers in the region can still watch CNN but only by tuning in to the Nilesat or Arabsat satellites.