Australia's ABC to air interview with controversial streamer Hasan Piker, drawing conservative backlash

Australia's national broadcaster ABC is set to air the return of its Planet America program on Monday, with the new episode featuring leftwing US commentator and streamer Hasan Piker. Host John Barron said the episode will explore the "rise of Democratic socialists and the populist left," with Piker discussing his experience at the center of political controversy.

The announcement drew swift criticism from conservative voices in Australia. News Corp's News24 host James Morrow questioned the ABC's judgment in booking Piker and argued the broadcaster should not use public funding for such content.

Barron urged critics to watch the interview before forming an opinion, noting that Piker has become a central figure in the 2026 US election cycle. He compared the decision to a past interview with conservative host Sean Hannity ahead of the 2012 election, saying guest selection is based on relevance rather than political alignment.

Who is Hasan Piker

The 35-year-old Piker is a prominent figure in US left-leaning politics, commanding more than three million followers on Twitch along with a large following on other platforms. He streams almost daily, often discussing American foreign policy, capitalism and LGBTQ+ rights, while frequently criticizing the Democratic establishment. His remarks have sparked controversy in the past, including a 2019 comment — later apologized for — suggesting the US "deserved" the September 11 attacks, as well as sharp criticism of Israel's government. In June, the UK government barred him from entering the country ahead of a planned speaking event.

Piker previously appeared on the ABC last September to discuss the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. That interview drew 68 viewer complaints, though the ABC's ombudsman found it did not breach the broadcaster's editorial standards.