Australia’s antisemitism envoy has criticized the ABC for disproportionately highlighting the conflict in Gaza and frequently portraying Israel in an unfavorable manner.
This critique arises as editorial representatives from both the ABC and SBS are participating in a session hosted by the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in Sydney on Thursday.
During the hearings, Jillian Segal expressed concerns that the Jewish community perceives the national broadcaster’s coverage of the Middle Eastern conflict as biased and inaccurate.
“I am not suggesting they avoid covering significant issues, but it’s important to recognize there are numerous critical topics globally,” Segal explained during the inquiry.
“For instance, there are severe famines and conflicts in Africa that receive little to no coverage,” she added.
Segal also took aim at SBS’ use of statistics from the Gaza Health Ministry, saying the figures on the number of people killed are “grossly inaccurate” and fail to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.
Ahead of today’s hearings, both public broadcasters say they have delivered accurate and comprehensive coverage of antisemitism and Jewish Australian perspectives.
The ABC’s editorial director Gavin Fang spoke, to be followed by SBS’ directors of news and Audio Language Content and the ombudsmen from both broadcasters.
”There are complaints that the ABC and the SBS have produced coverage that is inaccurate or unbalanced, both in their selection of stories and focus and in the reportage that they produce,” counsel assisting Richard Lancaster SC earlier told the inquiry.
A public statement from the SBS released today said in part the broadcaster “unequivocally condemns antisemitism and affirms the right of Jewish Australians to live with safety, dignity and a true sense of belonging”.
“Our submission to the Royal Commission highlights the vital role trusted, independent public service media plays in strengthening social cohesion.”
The statement said SBS has invested significantly “in reporting and programming that helps Australians better understand antisemitism and its impacts, with content available in more than 60 languages”.
“Across all our platforms and services, we represent Jewish Australian stories and perspectives in a way that is respectful, accurate and inclusive.”
A public statement released by the ABC today said in part that the broadcaster “rejects claims that its journalism has contributed to antisemitism or social division” and its reporting “has been evidence-based, fair, impartial and consistent with its Charter obligations”.
“A healthy democratic society depends on diverse sources of reliable information and contending opinions. The ABC acknowledges that some content can be challenging, but it does not gratuitously harm or offend, nor does it allow, condone or encourage prejudice.”
Hearings in previous days have focused on the role of social media in spreading online hate, with Meta, TikTok and YouTube all defending their content moderation procedures.
– With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.