Asaf Rappaport Alarmed by Low Ratings of 'The Voice'
Since Asaf Rappaport's arrival, despite management changes and strategic shifts, ratings remain stagnant. Following the poor performance of the flagship show 'The Voice', Reshet 13 management issued a stern warning to staff: 'Whoever does not sweat will not be here.'
A difficult week has passed for Channel 13. The final episode of 'Power Couple' last Monday garnered an 8.1% rating—while relatively reasonable for recent prime-time programming, it marks the lowest-rated finale in the format's history, with a season average of 8.9%.
'MasterChef' on Channel 12 took first place that same day with a 12.8% rating, while 'The Patriots' on Channel 14 with Yinon Magal achieved 6.6%.
Two days later, the channel suffered another blow. Its flagship program, 'The Voice', despite significant financial investment, garnered only a 5.7% rating, trailing behind 'The Patriots' (7%) and far behind the 'Dancing with the Stars' finale (17.9%).
It should be noted that the production and casting for the sixth season of 'The Voice' were designed under the previous CEO, Emiliano Calmezuk, and the former owner. Filming began in March, and the show aired in July. Last March, Asaf Rappaport acquired Reshet 13, and in May, Idan Alrum was appointed CEO.
Although Rappaport has not yet received final regulatory approval for the acquisition, he and his investor group are acting as owners in every respect, even intervening in 'News 13', which is supposed to remain independent.
Rappaport has already overhauled the channel's management, acquired 'Israel Bidur' to bolster social media presence, and replaced several senior reporters and talents, including Moshik Roth from 'Chef Games'. He also integrated a representative of his investor group and his long-time right-hand man, Zamir Dahbash, into the PR department.
Regarding 'The Voice', management has demanded better results by leveraging all available tools, including improved promo editing and social media engagement, to prevent such low prime-time figures.
At a senior management meeting last Thursday, harsh criticism was leveled, and the message to employees was clear:
'Whoever does not sweat will not be here.'
The first live broadcast is scheduled for Sunday, September 6.
Reshet 13 and the investor group declined to comment.
