Good afternoon, everyone. Could I just look towards any relationship that SBS might have with Al Jazeera. Did SBS issue any directive to editorial staff on covering the issue with Israeli-Hamas tensions? If so, what were those directives?
CHAIR: Fantastic. Thank you, Mr Taylor, and thank you for your patience today. I know we’re running significantly late. Senator Hughes.
Senator HUGHES: Good afternoon, everyone. Could I just look towards any relationship that SBS might have with Al Jazeera. Did SBS issue any directive to editorial staff on covering the issue with Israeli-Hamas tensions? If so, what were those directives?
Mr Taylor : In relation to Al Jazeera or—
Senator HUGHES: Well, in relation to covering the current Israel-Hamas situation or, in fact, at any stage when covering Hamas or tensions between Israel and Hamas?
Mr Taylor : Well, we have general obligations in relation to reporting accurately and in keeping with that code. I’m not aware of any specific directions issued to editorial staff in relation to the current conflict. I’m happy to take the question on notice. To go further, I’m not aware of any directions that relate specifically to Al Jazeera content, but I’m happy to take that on notice.
Senator HUGHES: Do you have content-sharing agreements with Al Jazeera?
Mr Taylor : I think we do, but I think we’ve got exclusions as it relates to coverage of the Middle East. If you bear with me, I can get an answer to that question whilst we’re on with the committee, because I can get in touch with our director of news and make sure I’m providing the information in a timely fashion.
Senator HUGHES: Yes, if you could let us know what the nature of those is, that would be great.
Mr Taylor : Absolutely.
Senator HUGHES: And also if there are any stipulations in those agreements about how certain events are covered?
Mr Taylor : Yes, absolutely.
Senator HUGHES: Do your journalists use the word ‘terrorist’ when referring to Hamas?
Mr Taylor : The word ‘terrorist’ has appeared in our coverage. We have used that word recently. We use the word ‘militant’.
Senator HUGHES: ‘Militant’ or ‘terrorist’?
Mr Taylor : Yes. We have acknowledged that Hamas is recognised as a terrorist organisation by the Australian government, for example.
Senator HUGHES: I’m just a bit concerned. I’ll make reference to an article published on 9 October titled ‘”Resistance is justified”: Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters march in Sydney’—this is, of course, the anti-Israel protests that we saw outside the Sydney Opera House, where ‘Gas the Jews’, amongst other things, was yelled. I’m concerned that it makes no mention of the words ‘terror’ or ‘terrorist attack’ and in fact doesn’t make any mention of the antisemitic commentary that was heard during the protest. It didn’t mention that the protest was illegal. Probably the closest thing it said to anything was that there were a few comments from a couple of people calling for restraint. But it’s overwhelmingly sympathetic to the Palestinians. Do you think that this actually reflects appropriate, fair and balanced reporting?
Mr Taylor : I’m unfamiliar with the article to which you refer. I’m very happy to take it on notice and provide you with a comprehensive response.
Senator HUGHES: You’re not here, so it’s probably just as easy if you find it. It’s from 9 October—'”Resistance is justified”‘. I’m sure someone will be able to find it for you. I’m going to change topics. Would you suggest that SBS had balanced coverage on the Voice referendum?