11 February 2026

To:
Mr Kim Williams AM, Chair
Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Ms Christine Zeitz, Acting Chair
Special Broadcasting Service

CC:
The Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Communications
Ms Melissa McIntosh MP, Shadow Minister for Communications

Dear Chairs

Request for Fair Coverage of Peaceful Iranian Pro-Democracy Protests in Australia

I write in my capacity as President of the Australian Iranian Community Organisation to formally raise concern regarding the ongoing absence of coverage by Australia’s publicly funded national broadcasters, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), of peaceful Iranian pro-democracy protests taking place across Australia.

As publicly funded broadcasters, ABC and SBS are entrusted with clear obligations to provide fair, accurate, and impartial news coverage; to reflect the diversity of the Australian community; and to report on lawful civic participation and democratic expression occurring within Australia.

For more than a month, thousands of Iranian-Australians, together with members of the broader Australian public, have gathered peacefully in major cities nationwide to express solidarity with the people of Iran and to call for dignity, freedom, and respect for human life. These demonstrations have been lawful, non-violent, and plainly matters of public interest. Despite this, they have received little to no coverage by Australia’s public broadcasters.

By way of example, the following Instagram link documents one peaceful protest in Sydney, estimated to have been attended by at least 10,000 people:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUOENOdEadH/?igsh=MTIxNDRjYzhmbXdnNg==

As at the date of this letter, the absence of coverage remains unaddressed, notwithstanding the sustained and evolving nature of events both within Iran and among Australian communities responding to them.

14 February 2026 has been designated internationally as a global day of action and solidarity with the Iranian people. In Australia, this date will be marked by peaceful public gatherings across multiple cities. These events clearly warrant coverage by publicly funded national broadcasters and should be understood as part of an issue of ongoing public significance, rather than a singular or symbolic moment.

The limited reporting on Iranian pro-democracy protests stands in contrast to the extensive coverage routinely afforded to other international political movements and diaspora-led demonstrations within Australia. This disparity raises legitimate concerns regarding editorial consistency, proportionality, and equitable representation.

A public petition hosted on Change.org, launched on 10 February 2026, has already attracted more than 2,000 signatures just in one day and continues to grow, reflecting community concern regarding the lack of coverage of these lawful and peaceful civic actions. The petition can be located at the following link:
https://c.org/MHNFdGhNVp

Accordingly, we respectfully request that ABC and SBS:

• acknowledge and address the absence of coverage of Iranian pro-democracy protests to date;
• ensure fair and timely coverage of the nationwide protests scheduled for 14 February 2026; and
• provide accurate, proportionate, and ongoing representation of Iranian-Australian voices engaging in peaceful democratic advocacy as events continue to unfold.

This submission does not seek endorsement of any political position. It seeks equitable treatment, editorial consistency, and adherence to the obligations that accompany public funding in a democratic society.

Peaceful civic expression by a significant Australian community should not be overlooked. To do so risks excluding voices that are entitled to fair representation in the national public sphere.

Yours faithfully

Siamak Ghahreman
President
Australian Iranian Community Organisation (AICO)