Participants in SBS’s Insight program about ME or chronic fatigue syndrome are criticizing the final broadcast, claiming that it presented a potentially damaging and scientifically unsound narrative that favored someone who said she “cured” herself. The SBS ombudsman is examining individual complaints, as well as one from Emerge Australia, the national advocacy organization for ME/CFS patients.
Individual complaints have been filed by participants, including one man who cares for his wife and daughter. He believes the show exacerbated the stigma and misunderstandings faced daily by patients and their families and accused SBS of disregarding science and the experiences of patients.
The CEO of Emerge Australia also criticized the program for giving too much airtime to the narrative of a person claiming to have recovered from ME/CFS and rheumatoid arthritis without medical intervention, which she viewed as detrimental and contrary to scientific evidence. They were approached by the show to feature participants, due to the program’s previously positive reputation.
SBS has stated that they examine issues from various perspectives and are accustomed to receiving a range of feedback. They assure the public that all their content is subject to their Code of Practice, which requires balanced and impartial coverage.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/jun/09/sbs-insight-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-me-cfs-complaints-ntwnfb
