ABC managing director Hugh Marks has confirmed that former news director Justin Stevens was not informed about a search for his replacement before his resignation in late May. Marks revealed the details during an interview with Radio National Breakfast host Sally Sara, addressing the circumstances surrounding Stevens' departure.
Marks stated that Stevens' resignation occurred amid a fundamental disagreement over the future of ABC News. He acknowledged that a formal recruitment process had begun before Stevens resigned, describing it as part of 'general succession planning' after he believed Stevens' resignation was 'inevitable'. Stevens' replacement, Reuters deputy editor-in-chief Simon Robinson, was announced the day after Stevens resigned and will start in September.
Marks also discussed the hiring of former Australian of the Year Grace Tame to host the ABC podcast series 'Autistic AF'. He defended the decision, noting that Tame's controversial comments about Palestine were made after her hiring. Marks emphasized the podcast's quality and its relevance to Australians with autism.
Additionally, Marks addressed comments he made about a 40-year-old legacy television show, clarifying he was speaking hypothetically. He also defended ABC presenter Charlie Pickering, who criticized Tame's hiring during an interview, stating that Pickering's remarks were his own opinion and were accepted by management.
