The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) are set to appear before the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion on Thursday to address complaints alleging bias and antisemitism in their reporting, particularly concerning events related to the Middle East.

Ahead of the proceedings, the ABC issued a statement asserting that its "reporting has been evidence-based, fair, impartial and consistent with its Charter obligations." The ABC's editorial director Gavin Fang and ombudsman Fiona Cameron will represent the broadcaster, 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.

The commission was established following a terrorist attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in December 2025, where 15 people were killed. Australia's commercial networks have not been called to appear.

The former High Court judge overseeing the commission indicated its focus is on the adequacy of the broadcasters' complaint-handling mechanisms, especially regarding allegations of bias in reporting events related to Israel and the Middle East.

The ABC acknowledged that its ombudsman has recorded five breaches in coverage related to the Middle East, including four accuracy breaches in news content—one involving an episode of triple j Hack—and breaches of impartiality and responsibility linked to an episode of the Hip Hop Show on triple j.

Léa Levy, an Australian resident who emigrated from France in 2015, shared her experience of antisemitism with the commission, stating that during the Gaza war, the ABC "never talked about Israelis' pain."

The ABC and SBS emphasized their commitment to high standards of accuracy, impartiality, and balance, noting their important and trusted roles in the Australian media landscape.

Sources