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3mo ago

ABC and SBS Editorial Leaders Face Royal Commission Over Middle East Coverage

The hearings could prompt independent oversight aimed at testing broadcasters' complaint systems for their ability to prevent hate without undermining editorial freedom.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 06: Blacktown Council Garbage trucks park outside SBS Headquarters on May 6, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. Garbage trucks from Blacktown blockade SBS headquarters in protest of "Struggle Street" the controversial new show to be aired on the channel. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) signage is seen at their headquarters in Ultimo ahead of industrial action on March 25, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. The industrial action is the first at the national broadcaster in two decades. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Senior ABC and SBS editors and ombudsmen gave evidence at the Royal Commission in Sydney on Thursday, defending news decisions and answering questions about selection, emphasis and reportage of the Israel–Gaza conflict.
  • Australia's special envoy to combat antisemitism, Jillian Segal, told the commission the ABC effectively acts as 'judge, counsel and jury' and urged creation of an independent external oversight body to review the ABC's compliance with its charter.
  • Both broadcasters rejected claims their journalism fuelled antisemitism and supplied data and processes to the commission, with the ABC saying its ombudsman logged five breaches tied to Middle East coverage but upheld no bias findings against ABC News.
  • Royal Commissioner Virginia Bell said the inquiry will assess the adequacy of broadcasters' complaint‑handling systems rather than decide individual complaints and counsel assisting noted ACMA has not found code breaches since October 2023.
  • Protesters gathered outside the Sydney hearings to demand wider voices be heard and the commission will next hear from ACMA on Friday before moving to Melbourne to examine universities and other sectors.