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U.N. Experts Recommend Introduction of Television in Israel; Submit Plan

October 31, 1961
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A recommendation that Israel establish a television network, to operate on a non-commercial basis, has been submitted to Israel’s Cabinet by experts of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization who surveyed the Israeli TV potential, it was announced here today.

Theodore Kollek, director-general of the Prime Minister’s office, told a news conference here today about the plans proposed by the UNESCO team. The UNESCO report envisaged the broadcast of 23 hours of television a week here at first. One-third of the programs would be produced in this country, while the remainder would be brought, presumably on videotape, from abroad. The annual cost of the broadcast service is envisaged at about 3,000,000 Israeli pounds ($1,680,000). The expenditures would be covered by license fees and by a sales tax on TV sets which, it is estimated, would cost about 1,000 pounds ($560).

The TV network, according to the plan, could be established here in about two years after approval by the Cabinet. However, Mr. Kollek said: “It would be no easy decision for the Cabinet, since introducing TV here would cost millions.”

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