I24NEWS (Israeli TV channel)

{{short description|Israeli television news channel}} {{lowercase title}} {{For|i24's American reporting|i24 News (American TV channel)}} {{Promotional|date=October 2023}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}} {{Infobox television channel | name = i24NEWS | logo = LOGO i24NEWS.png | launch_date = {{Start date and age|2013|7|17|df=y}} | owner = Patrick Drahi | picture_format = HDTV 1080i | language = English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Hebrew | country = Israel | area = Worldwide<br>Canada<br>United States | headquarters = {{plainlist | * Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv }} | webcast = https://video.i24news.tv/ | website = https://www.i24news.tv/en | online_serv_1 = | online_chan_1 = }} '''i24NEWS''' is a 24-hour news television from Israel, broadcasting from the Jaffa Port near Tel Aviv. It is mainly financed and founded by Franco-Israeli telecoms tycoon Patrick Drahi. By 2013 the channel employed 150 journalists locally and 20 foreign correspondents. Israel's government press office head Nitzan Chen praised the launch as "excellent news" and the former ambassador of Israel to France Daniel Shek said i24news was "the most ambitious media project launched in Israel.<ref>{{cite news |title=i24news gives 'different view' of Israel: director |first=Michael |last=Blum |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jMR2fW7IMr88duCULDwIBXNLHGbw |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219075800/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jMR2fW7IMr88duCULDwIBXNLHGbw |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 February 2014 |newspaper=AFP |date=19 July 2013 |access-date=11 April 2019}}</ref> It broadcasts in French, English, Hebrew, and Arabic. The channel was founded by Patrick Drahi, with Frank Melloul serving as its first CEO. In 2025, Ronit Ganon-Amit was appointed CEO of i24NEWS, while Frank Melloul was promoted to chairman.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-08 |title=i24NEWS has new CEO |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-836626 |access-date=2025-06-23 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en |issn=0792-822X }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Udasin |first=Sharon |date=1 March 2017 |title=Becoming a global news network: i24News opens its doors in the US |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/becoming-a-global-news-network-i24news-opens-its-doors-in-the-us-482955 |access-date=2021-12-13 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en-US |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213124809/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/becoming-a-global-news-network-i24news-opens-its-doors-in-the-us-482955 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In early 2017, the channel paired up with the US to expand their channel. By 2018, the company had studios in Tel Aviv, Paris, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2019 |title=Global network i24NEWS expands into US national coverage |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2019/07/09/global-network-i24news-expands-into-us-national-coverage/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415000855/https://www.israelhayom.com/2019/07/09/global-network-i24news-expands-into-us-national-coverage/ |archive-date=15 April 2022 |access-date=2021-12-13 |website=Israel Hayom}}</ref> In September 2021, following the Abraham Accords, the channel received a broadcasting license from the United Arab Emirates and opened its Gulf bureau in Dubai Media City.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-21 |title=Israel-based i24News channel to open office in Dubai Media City |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/media/television-and-radio/2021/06/21/Israel-based-i24News-channel-to-open-office-in-Dubai-Media-City |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213131904/https://english.alarabiya.net/media/television-and-radio/2021/06/21/Israel-based-i24News-channel-to-open-office-in-Dubai-Media-City |archive-date=13 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-13 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 September 2021 |title=i24NEWS special broadcast to mark 1-year anniversary of Abraham Accords |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/09/14/i24news-special-broadcast-to-mark-1-year-anniversary-of-abraham-accords/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415000903/https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/09/14/i24news-special-broadcast-to-mark-1-year-anniversary-of-abraham-accords/ |archive-date=15 April 2022 |access-date=2021-12-13 |website=Israel Hayom}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 June 2021 |title=Israel-based i24News channel to open Dubai office |url=https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2021/06/21/israel-based-i24news-channel-to-open-dubai-office |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213131905/https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2021/06/21/israel-based-i24news-channel-to-open-dubai-office |archive-date=13 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-13 |website=Gulf Today}}</ref> In May 2022, the channel launched its operations in Morocco with two new bureaus in Rabat and Casablanca.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clover |first=Julian |date=2022-05-31 |title=i24NEWS launches in Morocco |url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2022/05/31/i24news-launches-in-morocco/ |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=Broadband TV News |language=en-GB |archive-date=25 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725091736/https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2022/05/31/i24news-launches-in-morocco/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2024, i24NEWS launched a Hebrew language channel, the fourth channel of the network. This version is not available on conventional cable and satellite providers in Israel.<ref name="I24hebrew">{{Cite web |title=BBC Monitoring – Essential Media Insight |url=https://monitoring.bbc.co.uk/product/b0001x8e |access-date=2025-06-23 |website=monitoring.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

== History == The channel went live on 17 July 2013. Melloul stated that it would battle prejudice and ignorance about Israel with "facts and diversity".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harman |first=Danna |date=26 June 2013 |title=Move Over Al Jazeera, Israel's Own 24-hour TV News Station Is About to Go Live |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/2013-06-26/ty-article/.premium/move-over-al-jazeera-i24-going-on-air/0000017f-e35f-d9aa-afff-fb5fb6320000 |access-date=2023-10-07 |archive-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117084710/https://www.haaretz.com/2013-06-26/ty-article/.premium/move-over-al-jazeera-i24-going-on-air/0000017f-e35f-d9aa-afff-fb5fb6320000 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Margalit |first=Ruth |date=July 29, 2013 |title=The Israeli Answer to Al Jazeera |url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-israeli-answer-to-al-jazeera |magazine=The New Yorker |access-date=11 April 2019 |archive-date=25 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825082626/https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-israeli-answer-to-al-jazeera |url-status=live }}</ref>

Arab Israeli journalist Lucy Aharish was the lead anchor of the English-language branch of the channel from July 2013 until she left in January 2016.

On 8 December 2016, all programming on the English channel officially ended in preparation for launching in America. The channel broadcast 10 minutes of news on the hour from 0800 to 2300 (local time), replacing "Morning Edition", "The Daily Beat" and "The Lineup".

The launch of i24NEWS in the United States was announced on 27 January 2017. The channel is operated out of its headquarters in Jaffa.

Live programming in the US is broadcast from Times Square in New York City, as well as Washington, D.C. Approximately 50 journalists were hired to staff the two locations, and the channel uses resources from its Jaffa headquarters.

Among the first journalists hired were Michelle Makori, anchor and editor-in-chief; David Shuster, managing editor; and Dan Raviv, who previously worked at CBS News. The channel acquired many of its debut behind-the-scenes talent from the former Al Jazeera America.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-02-13 |title=International news channel i24NEWS launches in United States |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/137492-170212-international-news-channel-i24news-launches-in-united-states |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=i24NEWS |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.alticeusa.com/sites/default/files/pdf/i24-Announces-Talent-and-Editorial-Team.pdf |title=i24NEWS ANNOUNCES SENIOR EDITORIAL TEAM, ON-AIR TALENT IN THE U.S. |date=February 9, 2017}}</ref> The channel was nominated for an International Emmy Award for its coverage of the 2016 Republican convention.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Spiro |first1=Amy |title=Israeli TV station nominated for International Emmy Award |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israeli-tv-station-nominated-for-international-emmy-award-501875 |access-date=18 January 2025 |work=Jerusalem Post |date=8 August 2017 |language=en}}</ref>

In 2020, following the Abraham Accords, i24NEWS signed a variety of memorandum of understanding<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 July 2020 |title=Israel's i24NEWS, UAE's leading outlet sign historic collaboration deal |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/12/07/israeli-broadcaster-uaes-leading-outlet-sign-historic-collaboration-deal/ |access-date=2021-12-22 |website=Israel Hayom |archive-date=22 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222140953/https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/12/07/israeli-broadcaster-uaes-leading-outlet-sign-historic-collaboration-deal/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and partnership agreements with leading companies in the UAE. i24NEWS became the first Israel-based channel to be broadcast in the UAE. In 2021, the channel received a UAE broadcast license and launched its studios<ref>{{Cite news |agency=AFP |date=2021-06-21 |title=Israel's i24News network to open Dubai office |language=en |work=Ynetnews |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/HJrcQzRo00 |access-date=2021-12-22 |archive-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303185502/https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/HJrcQzRo00 |url-status=live }}</ref> in Dubai Media City, the regional hub for media organizations in the Gulf.

In 2022, i24NEWS launched its operations in Morocco,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 June 2022 |title=Israeli firms and tourists are piling into Morocco |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2022/06/02/israeli-firms-and-tourists-are-piling-into-morocco |access-date=2022-07-25 |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=25 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725091735/https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2022/06/02/israeli-firms-and-tourists-are-piling-into-morocco |url-status=live }}</ref> Rabat and Casablanca.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-31 |title=Israel i24news channel opens office in Morocco |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220531-israel-i24news-channel-opens-office-in-morocco/ |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=Middle East Monitor |language=en-GB |archive-date=25 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725092221/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220531-israel-i24news-channel-opens-office-in-morocco/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 29 October 2023, the i24 launched ''i24 Freedom'', a 24-hour international channel devoted to the ongoing Gaza war.

On 30 June 2024, i24NEWS launched a Hebrew language channel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-30 |title=Israel debuts its first 24/7 news channel i24 |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-808431 |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en |issn=0792-822X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-06-30 |title=i24NEWS Hebrew channel set to launch Sunday evening |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/artc-i24news-4th-channel-set-to-launch-in-hebrew-sunday-evening |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=i24NEWS |language=en}}</ref> The feed received criticism for countering Miri Michaeli's launch speech that the channel was not a one-sided outlet, while Maariv journalist Miki Levin derided it as "Channel 14 in a suit" days before it launched.<ref name="I24hebrew"/>

== Distribution == i24NEWS started broadcasting in Israel on August 29, 2018.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=August 29, 2018 |title=International news channel i24NEWS to begin broadcasting in Israel |work=i24 News |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/international/182936-180829-international-news-channel-i24news-to-begin-broadcasting-in-israel |access-date=11 April 2019 |archive-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212212333/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/international/182936-180829-international-news-channel-i24news-to-begin-broadcasting-in-israel |url-status=live }}</ref> It is offered in France (including the French West Indies), Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland and across the African continent. The channel is also streamed live on its website in all three languages.

The channel signed an agreement enabling it to be broadcast in Germany on Kabel Deutschland.<ref>{{cite news |last=Briel |first=Robert |date=1 April 2019 |title=i24news signs German, Swiss deals |url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2014/04/01/i24news-signs-german-swiss-deals/ |work=Broadband TV News |access-date=11 April 2019 |archive-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117003341/https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2014/04/01/i24news-signs-german-swiss-deals/ |url-status=live }}</ref> i24NEWS was initially broadcast in the United States via the Jewish Life Television network,<ref>{{cite news |author=Averbach |first=Li-or |date=March 18, 2014 |title=Patrick Drahi's Israeli News Channel I24news to Air in US by JLTV |newspaper=Jewish Business News |url=https://jewishbusinessnews.com/2014/03/18/patrick-drahis-israeli-news-channel-i24news-to-air-in-us-by-jltv/ |access-date=11 April 2019 |archive-date=30 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830073756/https://jewishbusinessnews.com/2014/03/18/patrick-drahis-israeli-news-channel-i24news-to-air-in-us-by-jltv/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but following the acquisition of Cablevision by Drahi-owned Altice USA (formerly Cablevision with a public brand of Optimum), i24NEWS is now broadcast on many US cable and TV operators, among them: Optimum channel 14, Verizon Fios channel 610, DirecTV channel 343, U-verse TV channel 223, Suddenlink channel 49, Mediacom channel 228, Xfinity channel 1118, Spectrum, FuboTV and others. Additionally, i24NEWS is on multiple streaming services: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, And they also have a i24NEWS app on both Android and IOS App Stores.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Channels|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/channels|access-date=2021-12-22|website=I24news|language=en|archive-date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214112457/https://www.i24news.tv/en/channels|url-status=live}}</ref>

i24NEWS English is available in the UK, along with a number of other international news channels, via online video subscription service NewsPlayer+.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 January 2021 |title=NewsPlayer+ brings forward streaming launch |url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2021/01/20/newsplayer-brings-forward-streaming-launch/ |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=Broadband TV News |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117003329/https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2021/01/20/newsplayer-brings-forward-streaming-launch/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2021, i24NEWS became the first Israeli-based channel available in the UAE, on the country's leading content provider Etisalat.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-04|title=Etisalat launches Israel-based i24NEWS channels on eLife and Switch TV|url=https://www.broadcastprome.com/news/etisalat-launches-israel-based-i24news-channels-on-elife-and-switch-tv/|access-date=2021-12-13|website=BroadcastPro ME|language=en-US|archive-date=17 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117003338/https://www.broadcastprome.com/news/etisalat-launches-israel-based-i24news-channels-on-elife-and-switch-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, DU became the second operator to add the channel to its subscribers in the UAE.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 July 2020 |title=Abu Dhabi Media, Israel-based i24News sign MoU |url=https://wam.ae/en/details/1395302892972 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213133915/https://wam.ae/en/details/1395302892972 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-13 |website=WAM (Emirates news agency)}}</ref>

From October 2021 to early February 2026, i24NEWS waws available in Australia on the Flash News streaming service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stead |first=Chris |date=14 October 2021|title=What is Foxtel Flash? News streaming app explained |url=https://www.finder.com.au/foxtel-flash-news |access-date=13 December 2021 |website=Finder |language=en-AU |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213133913/https://www.finder.com.au/foxtel-flash-news |url-status=live }}</ref> This ended when Flash News closed on 9 February 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 February 2026|title=Flash News retired on 9 February 2026 |url=https://help.flashnews.com.au/s/article/Flash-News-retired |access-date=2 March 2026 |website=Flash News |language=en-AU |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Key people and programming grid== Ali Waked, is the Director of i24NEWS’s International Branch and manages content and editorial direction in English, French, and Arabic.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Swift |first=Robert |date=2022-11-01 |title=Far-right alliance are the big winners in Israel's election |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/s1n8bfjri |access-date=2025-07-01 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-02 |title=Soirée de gala i24 News |work=COTE Magazine Genève |url=https://cote-magazine.ch/soiree-de-gala-i24-news/ |access-date=2025-07-01 |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=“Tra quindici anni rischiamo un altro 7 ottobre”. Parla Ali Waked |url=https://www.ilfoglio.it/esteri/2024/01/17/news/-tra-quindici-anni-rischiamo-un-altro-7-ottobre-parla-ali-waked--6108184/ |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=www.ilfoglio.it |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-23 |title=Ali Waked - Director, i24NEWS International Branch |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/authors/ali-waked |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=i24NEWS |language=en}}</ref>

Anchors at i24NEWS past and present include:<ref>{{cite web |title=Profiles |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/profiles |website=I24news |access-date=30 January 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Profiles |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/profiles |access-date=2025-06-23 |website=i24NEWS |language=en}}</ref>

*Nicole Zedeck, anchor, ''The Rundown'' and ''i24NEWS NEWSDESK'' *Benita Levin, anchor, ''The Rundown'' and ''i24NEWS NEWSDESK'' *Emily Frances, anchor, ''Holy Land Uncovered'' *David Matlin, anchor *Natasha Kirtchuk, anchor *Laura Cellier, anchor, ''Middle East Now'' *Ellie Hochenberg, anchor Correspondents at i24NEWS:

* Ariel Oseran: Middle East correspondent<ref>{{Cite web|date=2025-04-02 |title=US-Syria, sources: Trump to meet Al Sharaa in Saudi Arabia in mid-May |url=https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/usa-syria-sources-trump-to-meet-al-sharaa-in-saudi-arabia-in-mid-may/ |access-date=2025-06-23 |website=Agenzia Nova |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/fr/title/tt1927826/characters// |title=The Bolt Report (Série télévisée 2011– ) - Ariel Oserancomme Self - Middle East Correspondent, i24News, Self - i24News Middle East Correspondent - IMDb |language=fr-FR |access-date=2025-06-23 |via=IMDB}}</ref> * Robert Swift: Defense correspondent * Joe Brown: Senior Correspondent * Bianca Zanini: Correspondent * Balig Sladeen: Correspondent In November 2025, i24NEWS has introduced a new English-language programming schedule. The grid includes shows such as ''The Rundown'', broadcast daily, ''Middle East Now'', focused on regional developments, and ''Global Eye'', which covers international affairs. Additional programs, including ''Jewish World Weekly'', ''Innov'Nation'', and ''On The Record'', complete the network's updated lineup.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-31 |title=i24NEWS Launches Expanded Programming Grid With New Shows And Anchors |url=https://thej.ca/2025/10/31/i24news-launches-expanded-programming-grid-with-new-shows-and-anchors/ |access-date=2025-11-17 |website=THEJ.CA |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=i24NEWS unveils new programming grid |url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/417084 |access-date=2025-11-17 |website=Israel National News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-02 |title=i24NEWS launches new English-language programming schedule |url=https://www.advanced-television.com/2025/11/02/i24news-launches-new-english-language-programming-schedule/ |access-date=2025-11-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{Commons category|I24news}} * {{official website}}

Category:2013 establishments in Israel Category:2013 in Israeli television Category:24-hour television news channels in France Category:Arabic-language mass media in Israel Category:Arabic-language television stations Category:Companies based in Tel Aviv Category:English-language television stations Category:International broadcasters Category:French-language television stations Category:Mass media companies of Israel Category:Mass media in Tel Aviv Category:Multilingual news services Category:Television channels and stations established in 2013 Category:Television channels in Israel