Clarification: SBS editorial guidance on Middle East conflict

Statement by Mandi Wicks, SBS Director of News and Current Affairs:

SBS wishes to issue a clarification following recent discussion about its editorial guidance to reporters.

It is not correct to say that SBS journalists are not allowed to use the term Palestine.

SBS historically used the term “Occupied Palestinian Territories” to refer to the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem. 

With the recent announcement by the Australian Government at the UN, SBS’s guidance is now to refer to the “Occupied Palestinian Territories, which Australia recognises as the State of Palestine”. 

This provides context for our audiences, and accurately reflects the recent developments.  

SBS is editorially independent from Government, and our editorial guidance is continually evolving.