The chances that English-language broadcasting will be harmed by upcoming budget cuts at the Israel Broadcasting Authority are "virtually zero," IBA spokeswoman Linda Bar told Haaretz Tuesday.

Employees, however, say they have yet to receive such a promise and continue to fear for the future of English-language public broadcasting.

"We've received calls of support, but no assurances at this point," said Steve Leibowitz, editor of IBA English television news. "We've been told we're still in a crisis."

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IBA management is considering a possible merger between English radio and television in order to cut costs. Though the decision regarding the merger was expected Tuesday, it was pushed off until later this week, Bar said.

In the meantime, meetings between English-language television and radio representatives are scheduled for Thursday, in an attempt to draft a formal plan that would detail the possible merger. "We're trying to prepare for if and when," Leibowitz said. "The axe has yet to fall."