ABC managing director Hugh Marks has revealed that former news director Justin Stevens resigned following a strategic disagreement over the future direction of the broadcaster's news division. Marks confirmed that a successor had already been identified before Stevens stepped down.
Strategic differences lead to departure
Speaking on Radio National Breakfast on Tuesday, Marks said Stevens resigned after discussions about the newsroom's future broke down. "Justin and I were having discussions about what we both felt the future of news for the ABC was, and maybe we felt there were different directions to pursue," he said. He added that resignation was considered a possible outcome of those talks.
When asked directly whether Stevens was informed that the ABC was actively seeking his replacement before he resigned, Marks replied, "No, that wasn't a discussion we had." The comments confirm reports that the ABC had engaged recruitment firm Hourigan and moved to appoint Reuters executive Simon Robinson before Stevens' departure became public.
Successor already in the pipeline
Marks said he had been meeting potential candidates both formally and informally as part of his broader responsibilities. "We knew that if we couldn't get agreement on the way forward, that his resignation was inevitable," he said. "So, yeah, I've been [meeting his potential replacement] in a formal way, but also in an informal way, just meeting people as I should as the head of the ABC, making sure we've got the very best executive team to lead the organisation forward."
He emphasised that the transition became necessary once it was clear Stevens would step down. "When we were in that position where it was clear Justin was going to go, I was able to move forward with another candidate."
Stevens' tenure marked by challenges
Stevens informed staff of his resignation on May 27. During his tenure, the ABC faced calls to be defunded and claims of editorial bias. He oversaw a series of scandals and failures, including more than 65 corrections and admissions of fault in a single year. His successor, Reuters executive Simon Robinson, was announced the following day.
Marks said differences in editorial direction had been central to the split, particularly around how the newsroom should operate under increasing pressure to deliver more with limited resources. He said the ABC was considering structural changes, including shifts in output and format. "All of those things together, I think means that we've got to go through some changes, and I guess we can have different views on what those changes should be and how we go about implementing them," he said.
Robinson's credentials praised
Asked about Robinson's credentials, Marks said the former Reuters executive brings significant editorial experience. "Deep journalistic experience," he said, referring to Robinson's career.
Grace Tame podcast controversy addressed
In the same interview, Marks also addressed recent internal debate over a podcast hosted by former Australian of the Year Grace Tame, following criticism of her involvement given her past public comments. He said he understood why some questioned the decision but defended the program's content and intent. "If you look at the program itself, it's a great podcast … she's done a great job on a topic that I'm sure will be of real interest and real importance to many Australians who suffer from those conditions, and particularly young Australians and young Australian women."
He made clear that the ABC reached out to Tame before she chanted "globalise the intifada" at a rally in February. "When we engaged her for the project… it was before those particular comments that were made," he said. Marks said the ABC often balances strong public reaction with its editorial decisions. "There's a balance in all these things, for the ABC to be ensuring that we bring great content and also acknowledging that with some of the people that we work with, sometimes there will be controversy."
Pickering comments defended
The appointment attracted criticism from parts of the Australian media industry, including ABC Radio Melbourne Drive host Charlie Pickering, who later partially walked back his remarks. The ABC said his comments did not breach internal guidelines. "I think we felt comfortable that we were able to accept that his comments weren't a breach of the ABC code of conduct," Marks said.
Funding and bias claims persist
Most recently, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson called for the broadcaster's $1.3 billion in public funding to be scrapped over claims of bias. The broadcaster has also been criticised for editorial decisions related to its coverage of the Middle East, Charlie Kirk, and more. SkyNews.com.au has reached out to the ABC for further comment.
