Who Owns Walla!? Ownership, Political Bias, and Editorial Standards
Walla! Overview and Political Bias
Observers describe Walla! as a mainstream outlet that generally aligns with centrist-to-right Zionist perspectives. It has faced allegations of editorial interference, most notably in 'Case 4000,' where claims suggest news coverage was influenced to favor political figures. Critics often characterize its content as a blend of hard news and infotainment.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center |
| Estimated number of readers | 25,000,000 |
| Israel support | Pro-Israel / Zionist |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Mass market |
Walla! History
Established in 1995 as a pioneer web portal in Israel, Walla! initially functioned as a search engine and directory. It expanded significantly after merging with the IOL portal in 2001. Over decades, it evolved into a dominant digital news provider, offering email, shopping, and comprehensive Israeli current affairs reporting.
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Who owns Walla!?
Walla! is currently owned by the Jerusalem Post Group, led by Eli Azur, who acquired it in 2020. Previously, it was a subsidiary of Bezeq, Israel's largest telecommunications company, then controlled by Shaul Elovitch. Its funding primarily derives from advertising revenue and private commercial investments within the group.