Bondi Royal Commission Urged to Examine Media’s ‘Egregiously Wrong’ Israel Coverage

Why It Matters

If the commission investigates media influence, its findings could reshape public trust, media accountability and policy responses to extremism and misinformation; ignoring this dimension risks leaving a major cause of radicalization and social division unaddressed.

Summary

A commentator urged the Royal Commission into anti‑Semitism to probe the media’s role in fostering anti‑Jewish sentiment, accusing Australia’s public broadcaster ABC and other outlets of repeatedly publishing false or biased reports about the Israel–Gaza conflict. He alleged the ABC circulated deceptive claims—about hospital bombings, targeted aid workers and images of starvation—and amplified Hamas propaganda, creating a climate that enabled anti‑Semitism and Islamist radicalization, including factors around the Bondi attack. The commentator cited anonymous submissions detailing ‘‘egregiously wrong’’ coverage and called for the inquiry to call media witnesses and ABC representatives to testify. He warned that without examining media misinformation, the commission will miss a key driver of rising hostility toward Jews in Australia.

Original Description

Sky News host Chris Kenny says the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion can’t ignore the media’s role in misinforming the public.

“If this Royal Commission is to do any good, it must examine the media's role in misinforming the public,” Mr Kenny said.

“Israel, Jews and their supporters have been smeared with egregiously wrong claims about murdering innocents, starving children and even, absurdly, genocide.”