ABC to be called to give evidence

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will hear evidence from the ABC, major media organisations and social media companies, in a dedicated block of hearings expected to begin on June 29.

The development was welcomed by the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), which has long raised concerns about anti-Israel bias at the ABC and the failure of social media platforms to curb antisemitic content.

AIJAC executive director Colin Rubenstein said distorted reporting could have profound consequences. “When reporting is distorted, context is omitted, or antisemitic narratives are amplified and allowed to spread unchecked, the consequences can be profound, and even lead to violence,” he said.

Rubenstein said social media companies also had to answer for their failure to address abuse, conspiracy theories and incitement, and that he hoped the Commission’s work would lead to reforms that strengthened accountability and restored public confidence in media institutions.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Michele Goldman said, “It is vital that the Royal Commission will hear from journalists and media outlets covering issues affecting the Jewish community as they hold unique insight into the prevalence and spread of antisemitism. Their experiences, including whether they themselves have faced abuse for their reporting, are essential.