Senior ABC executive Gavin Fang denies the national broadcaster is appeasing “Jewish hating activists” by refusing to accept a widely used definition of anti-Semitism. The ABC has refused to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, instead opting to create its own framework. The definition, which is widely used across the globe, has been accepted by the Royal Commission on anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion.Fang, the company’s editorial director, on Thursday said the ABC had refused to use IHRA’s definition, as it was “contentious” to some parts of the community.“The IHRA definition, while not necessarily contentious to us, is contentious in different parts of the community,” Mr Fang told budget estimates in parliament on Thursday.“In an effort to maintain our independence and assure that we’re impartial … (we will) continue with the (ABC’s) current framework that does the same work.”He was grilled by Liberal senator Sarah Henderson, who asked why the ABC could not just accept IHRA’s definition if the company had no issues with it.“Aren’t you just appeasing those people, including, I would say, anti-Israel, Jewish hating activists who do not subscribe to the IHRA definition?” Senator Henderson asked.Fang maintained the ABC’s approach was appropriate, batting away Senator Henderson’s demands that he point out which part of IHRA’s definition was unacceptable. “I’m not saying that (IHRA’s) definition is offensive,” Fang maintained.“Our definition says … criticism, legitimate criticism of the state of Israel or the actions of some Israelis becomes anti-Semitism when the target shifts from Israel to Jews.”He also stood by the ABC’s coverage of the conflict in the Middle East after Senator Henderson claimed the national broadcaster’s coverage has been overrun with a “systemic anti-Jewish bias” since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.ABC rejects ‘bias’ claimsABC managing director Hugh Marks also rejected claims the ABC had “systemic bias” and a “terrible culture of defensiveness” during a grilling by Senator Henderson.“There’s been this terrible culture of defensiveness when the ABC makes egregious errors, and I’d put to you that for far too long the ABC has tolerated this,” Senator Henderson said.“We don’t accept the notion that there is systemic bias within the ABC,” Mr Marks replied.He added that of course the broadcaster made mistakes, but the ABC acknowledged and rectified them promptly. Senator Henderson pointed to star reporter Sarah Ferguson’s appointment as executive producer on the documentary titled Sentient.She said Ferguson’s work on the documentary, which was funded by an animal welfare group, was a conflict of interest, an example of bias, and in breach of the ABC’s external work policies, as the journalist had not asked permission before being appointed to the role.Mr Marks and Fang both batted away the claim, telling the hearing that Ferguson had not worked on the documentary and had only been involved in the ideas stage, and that she had disclosed she would be credited at an “when it was appropriate”. “This is the very defensiveness I’m talking about, how can you say it’s fine … to be an executive producer of a documentary funded by an activist group and there’s no problem?” Senator Henderson asked.Fang doubled down, telling the hearing that Ferguson had disclosed her connection to the documentary and there was no conflict of interest.“Mr Fang are you serious?” Senator Henderson fired back.“That is absolute rubbish, of course there is a conflict.”ABC denies Stevens was on ‘chopping block’Justin Stevens announced his resignation as ABC director of news on Wednesday, saying it was the “right time” for him to move on after just four years in the role. Mr Marks, on Thursday denied suggestions Mr Stevens was “encouraged” to resign over a series of controversial decisions he made during his time in the role. “It does very much look like (Stevens) was pushed, he was encouraged to resign, he was on the chopping block,” Senator Henderson suggested.“I think it’s inappropriate for me to go into detail in specific staff matters … it’s an opportunity for us to move forward and look to a refreshed and rejuvenated output,” Mr Marks replied.He declined to confirm whether Reuters executive Simon Robinson would be replacing Mr Stevens following a report by The Guardian, saying he was “not prone to making announcements in senate estimates proceedings”, but the announcement would likely be made on Friday.He emphasised that he had not approved any release detailing Mr Stevens’ replacement to any news outlet.“There was a lot of speculation yesterday so I assume that speculation has led to someone trying to get the jump on the announcement, so good journalism,” Mr Marks said. More to come