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Successor Tapped Before ABC News Boss Knew He Was Out
9 Jun
Summary
- News chief's exit was inevitable due to differing views on future direction.
- Successor was chosen before the news chief was aware of replacement efforts.
- Disagreements centered on resourcing, content reduction, and new formats.
ABC boss Hugh Marks disclosed that former news chief Justin Stevens was not informed of replacement efforts before his surprise resignation last month. Marks stated that Stevens' departure was "inevitable" following disagreements on the strategic direction for Australia's largest newsroom.
Marks acknowledged that while he had been exploring potential successors, including formally engaging a recruitment firm, Stevens was not privy to these discussions. He explained that the differing views on implementing changes, such as managing resourcing, content reduction, and integrating new formats, made an agreement unlikely.
Simon Robinson, currently of Reuters, was appointed as the new news director the day after Stevens officially informed staff of his resignation on May 27. Marks also defended the ABC's decision to feature former Australian of the Year Grace Tame in a podcast series, acknowledging potential controversies but highlighting the program's value and Tame's work on autism.
