The ABC has had to dump anti-Semitic comments and ban trolls from its Facebook page after it left up anti-Israel conspiracy theories and Hitler memes for weeks.
Anti-Semitic comments were left on two posts on the ABC’s website for up to five weeks, despite its editorial policy demanding all comments be checked, outraging Jewish leaders.
Three of five anti-Israel posts reported to the broadcaster by The Weekend Australian have been removed and two Facebook users banned. The ABC said its moderators focus only on “current posts” and offensive comments on older posts must be reported to be taken down. However, most of the comments that alarmed Jewish leaders appeared on the day, or the day after, the articles were posted.
“Anti-Semitic comments, or any derogatory comments, are not acceptable to the ABC,” a spokesman said.
Communications Minister Mitch Fifield said he was aware of the comments removed from the ABC News Facebook site. “Anti-Semitism has no place in Australia,” he said.
Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council executive director Colin Rubenstein said the ABC had to do more policing: “The pattern emerging from this record strongly suggests the ABC needs to be more focused in acknowledging its responsibility.”
Read the full article by Richard Ferguson at The Australian (subscription only).