The ABC strongly rejects allegations made by Mr Michael Danby MP in a paid advertisement in the Australian Jewish News that the coverage by ABC Jerusalem correspondent Sophie McNeill of a series of killings of Palestinians and of Jewish Israelis on 21 July was biased and unbalanced.

Contrary to Mr Danby’s assertion, Ms McNeill gave due prominence to the fatal stabbing attack of the three Israelis with stories on television, radio, News Digital and Twitter. The coverage included graphic accounts of the attack from witnesses and first responders.

This advertisement is part of a pattern of inaccurate and highly inappropriate personal attacks on Ms McNeill by Mr Danby. The ABC has complete confidence in the professionalism of Ms McNeill. Despite unprecedented scrutiny and obvious pre-judgement by Mr Danby and others, her work has been demonstrably accurate and impartial.

All ABC News content is produced in accordance with ABC editorial policies and under the supervision of experienced editorial managers.

For more information

Sally Jackson

Media Manager, ABC News

jackson.sally@abc.net.au