ABC appoints former Nine boss Hugh Marks as managing director

Kim Williams has today announced former Nine boss Hugh Marks as the new ABC managing director.

The national broadcaster has confirmed that Marks was appointed by the ABC Board unanimously following an extensive domestic and international search. He has been appointed for a five-year term, in accordance with the ABC Act, and will also serve as editor-in-chief.

READ MORE: Hugh Marks urged to ‘restore the confidence of editorial staff’ at ABC after Lattouf saga

His appointment is effective March 10, 2025.

The confirmation comes after the ABC was forced to respond to speculation about Marks’ appointment last month, as their search for a new MD has been underway since David Anderson announced his intention to resign in August.

At the time, Anderson said he would stay in the role until a successor is announced.

Marks joins the ABC after three years at Australian content studio Dreamchaser, which he co-founded and co-led, which partners with leading creators to develop, finance, produce, and distribute content across all genres for the global film and television market.

Prior to that, he was chief executive officer at Nine Entertainment, during which he oversaw the merger of Nine and Fairfax Media.

Hugh Marks

“Hugh is a highly successful media executive, with more than 30 years’ experience in Australia and internationally in content production, programming, and distribution, working across all platforms from television, radio, and online publishing and with extensive news experience,” Williams, Chair of the ABC, said.

“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.

“Hugh is unusually well qualified to lead the ABC’s editorial and creative production teams online and in audio and video across the spectrum of ABC delivery responsibility in news, children’s education, documentary, international and diverse drama for Australian citizens as viewers, listeners and readers across every major delivery platform available,” he continued.

“Hugh was a stand-out candidate, not only for his experience across every facet of the media, but for his strong track record of leading media organisations and driving substantial and sustained audience engagement. He is the right person to lead the ABC as we plan right now for renewal and investment.”

Marks said he appreciates the confidence Williams and the ABC Board have placed in him with this appointment.

“It is an amazing time to be working in media. There are so many opportunities to deliver quality news and entertainment to Australians, but choices to make in what we prioritise in doing so. Making the right choices is what will determine our success into the future,” he said.

“I look forward to working with everyone at the ABC as it continues to host and guide discussion on the issues of importance to Australia and lead in the delivery of quality, truthful and engaging news, and premium content.

“The ABC is an iconic and formidable media organisation. No other institution has the reach and impact of the ABC, and it is a privilege to lead the ABC workforce as we confront the many technology and programming opportunities before us.”

Marks first announced his departure from Nine in late 2020 before his eventual exit in early 2021 following coverage surrounding his personal life and accusations of tension amongst Board members at Nine.

Meanwhile, Anderson notified the ABC Board of his intention to leave the organisation in August this year. He was first appointed managing director in May 2019 after acting in the role from September 2018. He has worked at the ABC for 35 years.

“I am still very much committed to the importance of the ABC to the nation,” Anderson said at the time.

“I believe it is the right moment for leadership renewal for the next stage of the ABC’s continued evolution.”

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