ABC managing director Hugh Marks has confirmed former news director Justin Stevens didn’t know selection for his replacement was in progress when he resigned from the ABC in late May.
The ABC reports that Marks shared more details about Stevens’ surprise move during an interview with Radio National Breakfast host Sally Sara on Wednesday.
Stevens announced his resignation on May 27 and the ABC announced that Reuters deputy editor-in-chief Simon Robinson would replace him, the next day.
Marks explained this morning that he believed Stevens’ departure was “inevitable”, and so had engaged a recruitment firm to find a replacement, as “a general sort of succession planning.”
“Mr Stevens certainly wanted to resign, so that’s what we agreed was the relevant way for him to go.”
The managing director also confirmed that Stevens was not informed that his replacement was being sought or in the final stages of appointment.
Justin Stevens. Image: LinkedIn
Hugh Marks praises Grace Tame for new podcast
Marks also spoke about the ABC’s engagement of Grace Tame on a new podcast.
Last week the broadcaster announced the former Australian of the Year and highly divisive public figure will host a four-part podcast, Autistic AF, and discuss aspects of women’s experience with autism in Australia.
The decision attracted criticism from Senator Sarah Henderson, ABC presenter Charlie Pickering, and leaders of the Jewish community.
Pickering said when asked by Rebel News Australia what he thought of his employer’s decision to hire Tame:
“I do actually think it’s problematic, that’s my personal opinion,” Pickering told the outlet.
“I think, as a Jewish Australian, there’s a complete misunderstanding of a lot of the words that are said and what (the) true meanings of them are. A lot of people are using words and phrases that have meaning well beyond what they think they do.
“I think you could argue that a lot of people who jump on protest bandwagons are ignorant a lot of the time.”
Pickering was forced to explain his comments on his radio show the next day, saying he was “ambushed” by the reporter.
“I would never have agreed or planned to be interviewed by that person, and to say so misrepresents me and the full context of the situation.”
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This morning, Marks said Pickering’s comments were reviewed, adding, “I think we felt comfortable that we were able to accept that his comments weren’t a breach of the ABC code of conduct.”
He continued on to back Tame and the new podcast.
“”Obviously, I understand why people feel Grace shouldn’t have a program on the ABC given the controversy … but I think if you look at the program itself, you know, it’s a great podcast,” he said.
“She’s done a great job on a topic that I’m sure will be of real interest and real importance to many Australians who suffer from those conditions, and particularly young Australians and young Australian women.”
Main image: Hugh Marks