Hugh Marks has been named as Managing Director of the ABC in Australia.
The seasoned govt has been unanimously appointed to the position by the ABC board following an “intensive and worldwide search.” This additionally makes him Editor-in-Chief, finally answerable for the broadcaster’s output.
Marks replaces David Anderson, who resigned in August, a yr into his second five-year time period. He’ll start his time period on March 10, 2025 after what ABC Chair Kim Williams informed workers can be an “prolonged” handover interval.
Marks joins from Dreamcatcher, the next-gen studio he launched with Carl Fennessy in 2021. He is called one among Australia’s prime media execs, having beforehand led Southern Star Leisure (now Endemol Shine Australia) and 9 Community, which has been embroiled in allegations of a tbullying tradition, sexual harassment and incidents of discrimination and several other top-tier administration exits in recent times. The fallout continues following the publication of a damning report.
Marks exited 9 in 2020, earlier than the allegations grow to be public, although he informed the Guardian Australia that watching occasions play out within the media would assist him grow to be “a greater chief” on the ABC. Throughout his tenure on the business broadcaster he held revenues develop from A$800M to over $5B, and oversaw the merger with writer Fairfax Media, which was the most important of its form in Australia in three many years.
“Hugh is a extremely profitable media govt, with greater than 30 years’ expertise in Australia and internationally in content material manufacturing, programming, and distribution, working throughout all platforms from tv, radio, and on-line publishing and with intensive information expertise,” mentioned Williams.
“This breadth of expertise is uncommon and can be crucial to the ABC as we glance to additional strengthen our attain and engagement with the Australian group.”
Williams added that Marks was “unusually nicely certified to steer the ABC’s editorial and inventive manufacturing groups on-line and in audio and video throughout the spectrum of ABC supply accountability in information, youngsters’s schooling, documentary, worldwide and various drama,” making him “a stand-out candidate.”
“It’s a tremendous time to be working in media,” mentioned Marks. “There are such a lot of alternatives to ship high quality information and leisure to Australians, however selections to make in what we prioritise in doing so. Making the fitting selections is what’s going to decide our success into the long run.
“I look ahead to working with everybody on the ABC because it continues to host and information dialogue on the problems of significance to Australia and lead within the supply of high quality, truthful and interesting information and premium content material.
“The ABC is an iconic and formidable media organisation. No different establishment has the attain and affect of the ABC, and it’s a privilege to steer the ABC workforce as we confront the various expertise and programming alternatives earlier than us.”
