Following the closure of the former Israeli broadcaster and previous EBU member station, IBA, a newly founded national broadcaster has this week applied to become the latest member of the EBU.

With the closure of the former Israeli national broadcaster, Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA), taking place earlier this month, the days to follow saw the foundation of the country’s latest national broadcaster, Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC).

Having begun broadcasting on the 15 May 2017, IPBC – also known as KAN – had previously been providing content online with focus mainly being on producing material via Facebook.

Eligible to join?

In the lead up to the opening of the newest Israeli broadcaster, questions arose as to whether IPBC would be considered eligible to join the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Previously, the main problems regarding IPBC’s potential membership focused on the broadcaster’s lack of news department, a key requirement before being eligible to join the EBU.

However, a daily news segment has since been introduced through IPBC and therefore ticks off one of the EBU membership requirements.

As listed via the EBU website, IPBC and their membership application is currently under review and pending approval. However if approved, Israel may be eligible and able to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest as soon as 2018.

Israel’s participation in the future editions of the competition came under question following the closure of IBA earlier this month, the news of which was later confirmed during the jury results presentation during the final of the 2017 contest by Israel’s national spokesperson Ofer Nachshon.