AustraliaOwnership & classification
Founded: 1980
Ownership
SBS News is the news service of the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Australia's multicultural public service broadcaster. SBS was created by federal legislation (the 1977 amendment to the Broadcasting and Television Act, effective 1978) to run ethnic broadcasting, with full television transmission beginning on 24 October 1980. It is a statutory corporation wholly owned by the Australian Government, governed by a board appointed by the government but with editorial independence enshrined in the SBS Act.
Funding
Hybrid-funded: roughly 80% of its budget comes from an annual federal government appropriation, with the remainder from commercial activities including limited advertising and sponsorship.
Affiliation & stance
SBS is a government-owned public broadcaster funded primarily from the federal budget, which makes it STATE; however, its editorial independence is legally protected and the government does not direct programming, supporting its centrist, impartial news stance.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 258
79/100
Factual
75/100
Objective
291
Articles
287
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
'We have let down our partners and families': Suspended Sydney Swans players break silence
Five Sydney Swans Australian Football League (AFL) players, Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon, and Chad Warner, have been suspended for the rest of the season due to a breach of the club's standards. The suspension follows an ongoing sexual assault investigation involving an incident at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne. The players issued a joint statement expressing regret for letting down their partners, families, teammates, and the broader community, while accepting the club's sanctions. The Sydney Swans' chairman, Andrew Pridham, apologized to fans and corporate partners but did not address the women allegedly involved in the incident, stating the matter was under police investigation. The club emphasized that the sanctions were based on the players' actions, such as staying out late and bringing women back to the hotel, and were separate from any potential legal charges.
‘Unbelievable’: One Nation immigration policy in chaos as MP concedes target ‘not too different’ from Labor’s
One Nation, an Australian political party, faces internal criticism over its immigration policy after MP David Farley suggested the party's proposed migration numbers are not significantly different from those of the current Albanese government. Farley attempted to redefine 'net overseas migration' (NOM), stating that while the raw number might be similar to the government's, the focus should be on where migrants are needed, primarily in rural areas for sectors like agriculture, engineering, and mining rather than major cities. He explained that One Nation's target of 130,000 annual net overseas migrants does not include additional migrant categories such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and aged care nurses, which could add at least 100,000 more migrants annually. This clarification has led to accusations from both the opposition and the ruling party that One Nation lacks consistency and clarity on a central policy issue.
Trump hits back at Canada after retaliatory tariffs announced
US President Donald Trump responded to Canada's announcement of retaliatory tariffs by accusing Canada of wanting the benefits of U.S. membership without the responsibilities. The tariffs, imposed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, target U.S. steel and dairy products and are part of a broader trade dispute. Trump criticized Canada for imposing heavy tariffs on American farmers over the years. The retaliatory measures come after a failed trade negotiation, escalating tensions between the two nations. The tariffs affect various Canadian exports, potentially harming industries like wine, furniture, and dairy. Canadian leaders, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, support the retaliatory action, while emphasizing the need to protect domestic industries from U.S. trade policies.
What are Trump's options as US eyes 'never been seen' sanctions on Iran?
The article discusses U.S. President Donald Trump's potential strategies to intensify economic pressure on Iran through new sanctions. Iran has warned that nations participating in the U.S.-led 'economic war' against it would be deemed enemies. The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to implement unprecedented sanctions against Iran, targeting its oil industry, financial systems, and cryptocurrency holdings. These measures include sanctions on Chinese 'teapot' refineries, which process a significant portion of Iran's exported oil. Iran has endured decades of international sanctions but has recently condemned new U.S. actions, warning of retaliation if other countries support these efforts.
From Adelaide to Hull, the Socceroos star who could be football’s next big thing
Australian soccer player Lucas Herrington made a notable impact in the Premier League as a substitute for Hull City in their 2-0 victory over Manchester United. The 18-year-old, who is the only Australian currently playing in England's top flight, came on after defender Nobel Mendy suffered an injury in the 64th minute. Herrington, a $33 million signing, contributed to the win despite limited touches, showcasing his composure under pressure. This performance marks a significant milestone for Australian football, making him the third-youngest Australian to appear in the Premier League and the first teenage Aussie since Harry Kewell. The win ended a 52-year drought for Hull over United, highlighting Herrington's potential as a rising star.
Can Australia rebuild social cohesion? Inquiry hears calls for change
Australia's Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has concluded its ninth and final block of hearings, focusing on issues such as declining satisfaction with democracy, social media polarization, racism, and the breakdown of relationships between religious and cultural communities. Experts, advocates, and community leaders emphasized the need for stronger social cohesion, improved education about Jewish Australians, better recognition of migrant qualifications, and more effective strategies to tackle prejudice. The commission, established after the December 2025 Bondi terror attack, is set to release its final report in December. Concerns were raised about balancing the fight against discrimination with preserving open debate, and recommendations included targeted interventions for vulnerable groups and improving transparency in government and education systems.
Myanmar military strike kills 14 people at a Buddhist monastery, opposition group says
An airstrike by Myanmar's military on a Buddhist monastery in Sagaing Region killed 14 people participating in a meditation retreat, according to an opposition group and a local resident. The attack occurred in Swel Le Oh village, approximately 75 kilometers west of Mandalay, and reportedly involved two bombs dropped 15 minutes apart. At least 20 others were injured in the incident. This follows a pattern of frequent aerial strikes by the military targeting both armed pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed groups, which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties. The military has previously claimed it only attacks legitimate wartime targets, while opposition groups accuse them of targeting civilians. The attack coincides with ongoing conflict in Myanmar since the military coup in February 2021, and the UN-established Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar noted a significant increase in aerial attacks prior to and after recent elections.
'Obesity paradox': Study finds common health metric could be misleading for older people
A study published in the US analyzed data from 6,905 adults aged 65 and over, revealing that a 'normal' BMI does not always correlate with lower health risks, especially when paired with a larger waist circumference. Researchers found that being overweight was linked to a 46% lower mortality risk compared to having a normal BMI in men, while a larger waist circumference was associated with increased mortality risk for both genders. The study suggests that BMI alone is insufficient for assessing health risks in older adults and recommends incorporating additional metrics like waist circumference, muscle mass, and overall health. The research highlights the limitations of BMI as a standalone health indicator and advocates for a more comprehensive approach to evaluating health risks.
Russian drones hit Ukraine mall, killing 16 and wounding 13 including children
Russian drones struck a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killing at least 16 people and injuring over 130, including numerous children. The attack occurred during the day and involved two drone strikes, with the second aimed at emergency services, according to Ukrainian officials. Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported that 22 children were among the injured, with nine people still missing, including two children. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as an 'act of barbarism' and 'cynical and despicable,' calling for international accountability. Another drone strike in Mykolaiv killed four people, including three children. The incident highlights ongoing Russian aerial attacks and Ukraine's countermeasures against Russian military infrastructure.
This Liberal MP took a journey from northern China — heading somewhere few Australians dare visit
Liberal MP Ted O'Brien described his rare 2010 visit to North Korea, where he observed the country's strict control over information and the stark realities of everyday life. As part of a small group of fifteen, O'Brien traveled to Pyongyang during the 65th anniversary of the Workers' Party, a period marked by the transition from Kim Jong-il to his son, Kim Jong-Un. Despite the state's efforts to present a controlled image, O'Brien noted the visible signs of poverty and the genuine happiness of citizens during significant cultural moments. The Australian government currently advises against traveling to North Korea due to safety concerns. O'Brien, who previously lived in Beijing and worked across Asia, now uses his 'rusty' Mandarin skills to promote Liberal Party messages on Chinese-language platforms and emphasizes the importance of national unity for Australia's security.
Sword attack at Swedish school kills one, injures three
A man armed with a sword attacked students at Brinell High School in Fagersta, Sweden, resulting in one death and three injuries. The incident occurred on the first day of the school year after summer break. Police responded swiftly, shooting and detaining the 18-year-old suspect. The attacker, described as a former student with a prior assault conviction, was reportedly wearing a helmet and carrying a sword. Several students described witnessing the attack and the chaotic aftermath, including seeing victims with severe injuries. The town of Fagersta implemented lockdowns at multiple schools and public buildings, and local officials emphasized their focus on supporting affected individuals. The Swedish prime minister canceled a planned speech, and national leaders expressed solidarity with the community. Authorities are investigating a TikTok account that posted a photo of a sword shortly before the attack.
Federal government to fund majority of ACT gun buyback scheme
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has agreed to participate in a national gun buyback scheme, which will be partially funded by the federal government. The initiative follows a National Cabinet decision to address antisemitism and improve gun laws after the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. While New South Wales (NSW) will start the program in November, the ACT had previously negotiated funding terms with the federal government. Under the agreement, the Commonwealth will cover 75% of the buyback costs and 100% of firearm destruction expenses, with the ACT covering the remainder. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of national gun reform to prevent future terrorist attacks. ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr praised the collaboration, noting the territory already has strong firearms laws and the buyback will enhance community safety. No specific dates or compensation rates for the scheme have been disclosed yet.
Climate change could triple the price of wheat
A new study published in the journal Earth's Future reveals that climate change could significantly increase global wheat prices due to rising water scarcity. By analyzing historical climate data, crop production areas, and global commodity prices, researchers found that severe water scarcity explains around 74% of annual fluctuations in global wheat prices between 2000 and 2021. The study introduces a new metric called 'Severe Water Scarcity' (SWS), which tracks the proportion of global cropland experiencing drought during critical growing periods. Wheat was found to be especially vulnerable compared to other staple crops like maize and rice. Using climate models, the study predicts that if global temperatures rise by 2°C, the average wheat price could reach $273 per tonne, and at 3°C, it could climb to $364 per tonne, roughly three times the 2010 level.