ABC rejects claims of antisemitic bias ahead of fronting royal commission

Lead

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has rejected claims that its journalism has contributed to antisemitism or social division, ahead of appearances by ABC and SBS executives at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. The public broadcasters are expected to be questioned over allegations of bias in their reporting of events related to the Middle East.

In a statement issued ahead of the hearings, the ABC said its "reporting has been evidence-based, fair, impartial and consistent with its Charter obligations." The broadcaster also reported receiving a five-year high of more than 7,000 complaints relating to content and editorial standards.

Coverage Comparison

The royal commission, established following the Bondi terror attack, is examining the prevalence of antisemitism across social media platforms and traditional media sources. Counsel assisting Richard Lancaster SC told the inquiry that some submissions were "highly critical" of the public broadcasters' coverage of the Middle East conflict.

"These media outlets occupy a particularly important, trusted position in the Australian media landscape," Mr Lancaster said. "Their statutes, charters and policies commit them to high standards of accuracy, impartiality and balance."

Jillian Segal, the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, was also called to discuss the concerns. Segal said the Jewish community had told her the nature and volume of the coverage of the Gaza war had contributed to "an impression of great negativity about Israel".

"Among the Australian Jewish community there is a common and pervasive perception that has been expressed to me repeatedly, that public broadcasters' coverage of the State of Israel's response to the October 7, 2023 attacks, and the ensuing conflict in the Gaza region lacked balance, was over-emphasised relative to other global conflicts, disproportionately gave voice to anti-Israel perspectives," she told the commission.

Key claims

The ABC's editorial director Gavin Fang and ombudsman Fiona Cameron will appear before the commission, followed by SBS's director of Audio and Language Content David Thanh Man Tue Hua, director of News and Current Affairs Amanda Wicks, and ombudsman Amy Stockwell.

In opening remarks, counsel assisting Richard Lancaster SC noted that the broadcasters would be asked about their policies and management of "allegations of antisemitism and the effectiveness of those measures". He said they would be asked whether there is any demonstrable antisemitic bias in the reporting of journalists or in the editorial policy of those organisations.

The inquiry has received over 20,000 submissions. The commission's current hearing block, being held in Sydney, is focusing on antisemitism and hate speech in the online environment and in traditional media.

Key claims

The royal commission is using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, as reported by one outlet. Jillian Segal has recommended the establishment of an independent oversight committee to review the public broadcaster's compliance with its charter obligations.

"That whole system is not working to assure all of us that the reporting is as per required [by the ABC's statutory obligations]," she said. "I just don't know how you can think, or how they think, they can set the rules, which are their standards, they can review them, which is their internal complaints system..."

The ABC and SBS have independent ombudsmen to handle complaints, but Segal said those processes are currently ineffective.

The ABC's statement, which was quoted in one article, said that Middle East coverage generates more complaints than any other topic, and that no complaints of bias in ABC News had been upheld by the ombudsman or investigated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The statement noted that in the six months July-December 2025, 51% of complaints claimed the ABC's Israel-Gaza coverage was broadly pro-Palestinian, and 47% claimed it was broadly pro-Israel, indicating that perceptions of bias arise from strongly held community views rather than systematic editorial favouritism.

The ABC's chair, Kim Williams, has defended the broadcaster against claims of bias, and the managing director, Hugh Marks, has previously called criticism of its coverage "unfounded". The ABC stands by its reporting of the Middle East conflict, Williams said.

An SBS spokesperson said it was "engaging with the royal commission process, including by providing written submissions". The ABC also made a submission.

Key claims

• The ABC and SBS have been called to give evidence at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
• The ABC rejected claims that its journalism contributed to antisemitism or social division.
• The commission will examine antisemitism in social media and traditional media.
• Jillian Segal recommended an independent oversight committee for the ABC.
• The ABC received a five-year high of more than 7,000 complaints.
• The commission has received over 20,000 submissions.
• The broadcasters have independent ombudsmen.
• Jillian Segal proposed a new 'oversight' committee for the ABC and SBS's Israel coverage.
• The commission uses the IHRA definition of antisemitism.