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Former Nine Entertainment chief executive Hugh Marks has been appointed ABC managing director.
The public broadcaster confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, with ABC chairman Kim Williams saying Mr Marks was an “exceptional fit”.
Mr Marks assumed the role of CEO at Nine Entertainment in 2015. after the departure of David Gyngell and resigned in 2020.
The new managing director, who replaces David Anderson, will be tasked with tackling the ABC’s digital transformation and shrinking TV and radio audiences.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr Marks said it was time to “make a choice” and that the broadcaster needed to “prioritise” the things it could “do well”.
“All Australians, when they want to know the truth, or the facts, or at least the different points of view on an issue, so they’re informed, they know they can come to the ABC and believe that’s where they’re going to get ( this)” Mr Marks told the ABC.
“Just because it’s possible doesn’t mean you should.
“I think focusing on those things and making decisions to prioritize the things you can do well is a discussion we’re all going to have to have.”
In 2018 Mr Marks led the deal with Fairfax Media chief executive Greg Highwood, which combined Nine’s assets with those of Fairfax Media, including radio stations, newspapers and streaming platform Stan.
The ABC launched an international search for Mr Anderson’s replacement, with Mr Williams describing Mr Marks as a “stand-out candidate”.
Mr Marks left Nine Entertainment in 2020, announcing the shock news via email to staff.
“I decided the time was right to start the process of moving forward,” he said.
The reason for the sudden departure was not included in the email to staff over the weekend.
Mr Mark’s departure follows that of his partner, former Nine Entertainment commercial director Alexi Baker, who left the company about a month earlier.
Mr Marks, who was given a five-year term under the terms of the ABC Act, starts his new role in March 2024.
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