MEAA accuses ABC of racism

The journalists’ union has accused the ABC of ‘racism’ and ‘bullying’ for failing to support its reporter Anushri Sood after she angered Peter Dutton by questioning the terrorist status of Hezbollah.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Picture: Sky News

The journalists’ union has accused the ABC of “racism” and “bullying” for failing to support its reporter Anushri Sood after she angered Peter Dutton by questioning the terrorist status of Hezbollah.

The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, which last year drew criticism for calling on Australian newsrooms to treat the Israeli government with the same “professional scepticism” as Hamas, claimed Sood has been the victim of “intimidation” by ABC leadership.

On Tuesday, Sood asked the Opposition Leader why certain groups were listed as terrorist organisations and to respond to accusations of “hypocrisy” in the government’s attitude towards Israel. The questions sparked a tense exchange with Mr Dutton claiming “the ABC is in greater trouble than even I first imagined” if they do not agree that Hezbollah is a terrorist group, as it is prescribed by Australian law.

The ABC subsequently denounced the questions in a statement, saying: “Questions at a press conference today were not a piece of reporting nor a position being taken by the ABC.

“Hezbollah is listed as a terrorist organisation by the Australian government and the ABC recog­nises that in its coverage.”

In the wake of the row, the MEAA passed a unanimous motion standing with Sood and accusing the ABC of failing to “show the leadership and values needed to be a robust defender of truth”.

Their resolution said: “We stand with Anushri Sood and her ABC colleagues to condemn the intimidation and bullying of journalists.

“We are appalled by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s behaviour and ABC management’s response.

“The ABC’s public silence on the intimidation of their journalist, a woman of colour, further perpetuates the racism an internal review issued on the same day highlighted.”

Their statement pointed to an independent report which found “systemic” racism at the broadcaster, prompting managing director David Anderson to issue an apology.

Last year, the MEAA endorsed a letter signed by more than 160 media figures which called for reporters to “adhere to truth over both-­sidesism” and provide “historical context” to the Hamas attack on October 7th, referencing the “illegal occupation of ­Palestinian territories by Israel since 1967”.

In response, Nine banned any reporters who signed the letter from covering the conflict while ABC said signatories would have their impartiality queried.