Representatives from the ABC and SBS will be called as witnesses to the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion, after complaints were made to the inquiry about their coverage of the Middle East. Counsel assisting Richard Lancaster SC said on Monday that some submissions are "highly critical" of the public broadcasters' reporting on the Middle East conflict. The commission was established after the Bondi terror attack.
The royal commission's focus now turns to traditional and social media as it examines allegations of antisemitism and threats to social cohesion. The inquiry is probing whether media coverage has contributed to community tensions in Australia. Both public broadcasters have faced sustained criticism from pro-Israel advocates accusing them of bias.
Lancaster noted that the submissions in question specifically target the balance of reporting on the Middle East. No specific examples were detailed publicly during the proceedings on Monday. The ABC and SBS have not yet responded to the commission's request for their representatives to appear.
The hearings are expected to examine editorial guidelines and decision-making processes at both organisations. Critics argue that unbalanced coverage can fuel antisemitic sentiment, while the broadcasters maintain their commitment to impartial journalism. The outcome could influence future reporting standards for public media in Australia.
This development comes amid broader debates over media accountability and social cohesion in the wake of heightened geopolitical tensions.