Ram Landes Launches Israel’s Channel 16: Yaakov Eilon to Anchor First Broadcast on June 28
Israeli television producer Ram Landes, in partnership with Koda Communications, is launching a new network, Channel 16. The channel will begin a soft launch for Cellcom TV subscribers on June 28, 2026. A comprehensive test broadcasting phase is scheduled to start on July 19.
Backed by Israeli businessman Yitzhak Hadad and led by CEO Itay Wolman, the project has tapped one of the country’s most prominent journalists, Yaakov Eilon, to anchor its main news broadcasts.
Billed as a new television format aimed at a broad audience, Channel 16’s lineup will feature a mix of news programs, analytical talk shows, public affairs broadcasting, reality TV, and documentaries. The network’s creators are placing a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, utilizing digital feedback tools to allow viewers to directly participate in shaping the content.
According to network representatives, the Israeli media market has long been dominated by highly specialized information formats. Channel 16 aims to introduce a more versatile broadcasting model that seamlessly blends news, entertainment, and cutting-edge technological solutions.
Ram Landes is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the Israeli television industry. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in establishing news divisions for major national networks and spearheaded numerous large-scale media projects that have significantly shaped the country’s broadcast journalism landscape.
The new channel’s studios will be housed in the historic pavilions of the former Israeli Educational Television, a landmark site instrumental in the founding of national broadcasting. Project executives view this move as a symbolic fusion of traditional journalistic standards with next-generation digital technologies.
The launch of Channel 16 comes amid fierce competition in the Israeli television market, which is currently dominated by the public broadcaster Kan 11 and commercial networks Keshet 12, Reshet 13, and Now 14. Industry analysts believe the entry of a new competitor will intensify the battle for viewership and advertising revenue, particularly within the news and current affairs sector.
Media experts note that utilizing AI for viewer engagement aligns with the global trend toward content personalization. If the proposed technological solutions are successfully implemented, Channel 16 could become one of the most innovative television ventures in Israel in recent years.
The initial months of operation are expected to gauge audience interest in this new format and determine the network’s footing in the country’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
