Reshet 13, an Israeli television broadcaster, has finalised a management-led buyout with support from international media investors. The deal marks a turning point for the Hebrew-language network, best known for high-profile series like Blackspace, Oz’s List, and the emotionally resonant documentary The Journey of Oz Davidian, which chronicles the events of October 7, 2023.
Originally the transition was announced in March 2025, led by Reshet 13 CEO Emiliano Calemzuk acquiring a 74% controlling stake in the network. This group includes Israeli and international backers, primarily from the media, entertainment, and tech industries. Access Industries, owned by billionaire Len Blavatnik, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have reduced their combined share to 26%, marking a strategic retreat after years of involvement in Reshet’s operations.
The change in ownership is still pending approval from the Israeli Second Authority for Television and Radio, which oversees the country’s commercial broadcasters. The management buyout is expected to set the stage for renewed growth, financial restructuring, and a sharper editorial focus for Reshet 13. The broadcaster has faced challenges in recent years as media consumption habits shift and competition for viewers intensifies.
Emiliano Calemzuk, CEO, Reshet 3, said, “Reshet 13 requires strong partners to bring the network to its next phase. The extraordinary commitment shown by Len Blavatnik, Access Industries, and WBD in safeguarding the channel’s continuity will now be matched by new investors to ensure Reshet’s future as a platform for free expression and diverse perspectives across Israeli society.”
The history of this deal trace back to 2021, when Discovery Communications (now part of WBD) took a 21% stake in the broadcaster, while Access Industries held 52%, alongside local minority shareholders. Over time, Reshet 13’s financial outlook made it clear that a new structure was needed to secure its long-term viability.
In stepping back, Access and WBD emphasized the network’s national importance, said in a joint statement, “We are proud to have supported Reshet 13 because it is a vital national asset for the state of Israel and strengthens its thriving democracy. This transition to employee and management-led ownership is a natural next step, positioning Reshet 13 for long-term growth and achievement.”
The move also opens the door for employee participation in a future stock option plan, signaling a more inclusive ownership approach moving forward.
While the broadcaster remains focused on delivering engaging content to a broad audience, its leadership is equally determined to restore the company’s financial health. The management team has set a goal to return Reshet 13 to profitability by 2026.
With its refreshed ownership and strategic backing, the network hopes to further its mission of producing content that resonates with diverse Israeli audiences and expands its international reach especially with titles already finding success on global platforms like Netflix.
As Reshet 13 enters this new chapter, industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on how the broadcaster balances creative independence, journalistic integrity, and commercial viability in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
