Len Blavatnik, one of Britain's wealthiest individuals, faces widespread protests in the UK amid allegations that his Israeli-based television network cancelled programs to appease Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Aviel Lewis, a London resident and member of the WeDemocracy anti-Netanyahu faction, highlighted Blavatnik's reputation as a patron of progressive culture in Britain while expressing concerns about his potential involvement in influencing Israeli media towards corruption.
Part of the protest movement plans to demonstrate at London's Tate Modern and Oxford University on Sunday. The group aims to target other British cultural establishments associated with Blavatnik, arguing that his media business undermines press freedom within Israel.
"We want Mr. Blavatnik to be aware of the repercussions this situation may have in Britain," said Lewis.
Blavatnik received a knighthood for contributions made to British cultural institutions like the V&A Museum, Courtauld Institute of Art, and National Portrait Gallery. His business portfolio spans Warner Music (featuring artists such as Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Megan Thee Stallion), DAZN streaming service, Theatre Royal Haymarket in London, and a stake in Channel 13 News in Israel – known for its critical coverage of the Netanyahu government.
Channel 13 experienced internal conflict following Yulia Shamalov-Berkovich's appointment as CEO, leading to the discontinuation of an investigative news program presented by Raviv Drucker, who had uncovered several scandals involving Netanyahu and his administration. The channel's staff expressed their dissent against this move, emphasizing its implications for press freedom in Israel.
Haaretz, a liberal Israeli newspaper, criticized the decision to halt the news program as politically motivated rather than rooted in financial or journalistic principles.
Anat Saragusti from Israel's Journalists Union stated that Channel 13's recent developments are part of an orchestrated plan to undermine press freedom. Blavatnik, through Access Entertainment – led by former BBC executive Danny Cohen – also holds investments in the film industry, interactive art, and West End productions such as Hamilton and Cabaret.
In response to the allegations, a spokespinas for Access Industries contended that Sir Leonard Blavatnik values press freedom and has invested significantly in Channel 13 to ensure its autonomy and uphold impartial journalism, maintaining that he never interfered with editorial decisions at the network.
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