Australian Royal Commission scrutinises ABC and SBS over anti‑Semitism coverage

The Royal Commission into Anti‑Semitism and Social Cohesion held public hearings in Sydney, calling senior leaders from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) to give evidence. ABC editorial director Gavin Fang, ombudsman Fiona Cameron and SBS executives Amanda Wicks, David Thanh Man Tue Hua and Amy Stockwell appeared before the commission.

Both broadcasters issued pre‑emptive statements rejecting claims that their journalism has contributed to anti‑Semitism or social division, emphasizing that their reporting is evidence‑based, fair and inclusive. SBS highlighted its multilingual programming and documentaries on Jewish Australian experiences, while the ABC cited its charter obligations and complaints processes.

Special Envoy Jillian Segal, who also testified, criticized the ABC for “marking its own homework,” calling it “judge, counsel and jury,” and urged the use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti‑Semitism. The hearings follow earlier sessions that examined social‑media platforms’ handling of hateful content.