In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the Australian media landscape, former Nine boss Hugh Marks has been appointed as the new managing director of the ABC.
Marks’ extensive experience in production, programming, and distribution makes him a rare breed, and the ABC board is hoping he’ll bring a much-needed breath of fresh air to the national broadcaster.
A Checkered Past: Concerns About Leadership and Culture
But not everyone is thrilled with the appointment. Questions are being raised about Marks’ leadership style and culture during his six-year stint at Nine. In 2019, he came under fire for hosting a $10,000-a-head Liberal Party fundraiser at Nine’s Sydney studios, and his consensual relationship with a senior executive sparked controversy. More recently, he claimed to have no knowledge of a toxic culture of bullying and harassment at Nine, exposed in an internal report in October.
What Did He Know, and When Did He Know It?
Media expert Denis Muller is one of those raising an eyebrow. “There’s a question about what he knew and what he should have known,” Muller says. “But the ABC board’s decision had likely placed great emphasis on Mr Marks’ extensive media business career.”
A Change Agenda from the Top
Despite the concerns, ABC chair Kim Williams is confident that Marks is the right man for the job. “This breadth of experience is rare and will be critical to the ABC as we look to further strengthen our reach and engagement with the Australian community,” Williams says. And Marks himself is aware of the challenges ahead. “It’s always been important to say no,” he told ABC TV in an interview. “Sometimes the things you decide not to do are as important as the things you decide to do.”
A New Direction for the ABC?
Marks’ appointment is seen as a bold move by the ABC board to shake things up and bring a more commercial approach to the national broadcaster. And it comes at a time when the federal government has pledged to legislate five-year funding terms for the ABC and SBS, ensuring stability at the national broadcasters.
A Five-Year Term and a Hefty Salary
Marks’ five-year term at the ABC begins in March, and his salary is expected to be on par with the more than $1 million per year paid to his predecessor David Anderson. It’s a significant investment, but one that the ABC board hopes will pay off in the long run.
What the Experts Are Saying
Retired journalist and ABC executive Alan Sunderland says any incoming managing director should be welcomed to what is a challenging and vital role in the media landscape. “They then deserved to be judged according to how they perform in the role,” he says. And the media union is hoping Marks will quickly demonstrate he understands the unique role of the ABC and put staff first. “There is no more important job in the Australian media industry,” says Michelle Rae from the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.