From Tel Aviv to Dubai, we are not just broadcasting, we are reshaping dialogue

As Chairman of i24NEWS, Frank Melloul has positioned the Israeli-based international news network as a distinct voice in global media, bringing stories from the Middle East to the world with a multilingual, multicultural approach. With a career that spans diplomacy, media strategy and international broadcasting, Melloul understands the role of perception and the responsibility of journalism in shaping geopolitics.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Melloul speaks candidly about the role of journalism in conflict zones, the need for balanced storytelling, rise of disinformation and the future of TV journalism.

What gap did you see in the global media landscape that led you to launch i24NEWS from Israel?
When I founded i24NEWS, it was clear that Israel, despite being a vibrant democracy and an innovation hub, lacked an international media voice capable of telling its story. The global media landscape was dominated by powerful narratives that often overlooked the Israeli perspective. I wanted to create a platform that could speak in multiple languages–English, Hebrew, French and Arabic, to provide a balanced, fact-driven account of what happens in Israel and the region. It was also important to tell stories that resonate beyond the conflict—on innovation, culture, and human resilience.

What makes i24NEWS different from other global media outlets?
We don’t just report on Israel—we broadcast from here. We are deeply rooted in the region, which gives us a unique vantage point. Our teams represent 35 different nationalities, bringing pluralism into our newsroom. That diversity allows us to cover complex stories with sensitivity and insight. Most importantly, we believe in facts, not opinions. We don’t push narratives; we report events as they happen, letting viewers form their own judgments.

You often speak about the importance of restoring trust in journalism. How does i24NEWS address the crisis of media credibility?
Trust in media is at an all-time low, largely due to bias, disinformation and the race for clicks. At i24NEWS, we are committed to journalistic rigor. We separate facts from commentary and we fact-check rigorously before going on air. I believe media credibility comes from consistency and integrity. You earn trust every day, story by story, headline by headline.

You often say that Israel is a “media victim.” Could you elaborate?
Yes. I believe that Israel, despite being an open democracy, is often judged with a double standard. There's a lack of proportionality in how stories from Israel are framed globally. While we welcome criticism, what we seek is fairness. When you report on Israel, context matters. And often, that context is missing. That’s why I say Israel has been a media victim, not because of the coverage per se, but because of the imbalance and selective scrutiny.

In times of war and unrest, what role should the media play, particularly during events like the Israel-Gaza conflict?
Media should inform, not inflame. During conflicts, facts become a casualty. Our role is to remain calm, verify everything and provide a platform for multiple voices, even if they challenge us. i24NEWS continued reporting during the conflict without sensationalism. It’s not about headlines; it’s about human lives, geopolitics, and long-term consequences.

In an era of rapid technological change, how can newsrooms reinvent themselves to stay ahead?
It’s crucial. The audience today is digital, mobile and global. We have invested in high-end studios, cutting-edge technology and real-time social media integration. But innovation isn’t just about tools, it’s about mindset. It means embracing new formats, being where the audience is, and telling stories that go beyond the obvious.

Does being based in Israel add pressure or scrutiny on your journalism?
Of course. Every word we say is scrutinized, especially on the international stage. But that’s also a strength. We have learned to be precise, transparent, and accountable. The pressure pushes us to be better. We don’t have the luxury of getting it wrong.

How do you think emerging technologies like AI are reshaping journalism, particularly in the fight against misinformation?
AI is a powerful tool but it’s a double-edged sword. It can help newsrooms become faster and more efficient, but it can also spread disinformation at scale. The future of journalism lies in verification, in human judgment, and in values. At i24NEWS, we are exploring AI, but we are also doubling down on editorial ethics.

i24NEWS now has a growing presence in the UAE and beyond. How do you view this expansion?
It’s a reflection of how the Middle East is changing. Our bureau in Dubai is not just symbolic, it’s strategic. The Abraham Accords has opened new possibilities and we want to be at the heart of that dialogue. Our goal is to build bridges, not walls.

What do you want people to understand most about i24NEWS?
That we are here to tell the full story. Whether it’s politics, technology or human drama, our mission is to bring facts to the world. We are not pro-Israel propaganda. We are pro-truth, pro-dialogue and pro-journalism.