It was a game of cat and mouse for the ages. A script worthy of an Abbott and Costello routine: ABC Boss Hugh Marks v Senate Estimates.
Marks fronted the hearings yesterday, straight off the back of News Director Justin Stevens’ resignation, which, predictably, took up a large portion of the questioning.
Midway through proceedings, The Guardian Australia reported that Reuters’ Simon Robinson would take over Stevens’ role.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi duly asked Marks about that.
“Was Simon Robinson from Reuters being appointed as the news director of the ABC?”
Marks declined to confirm the reports.
The language was all very corporate-y, all very C-suite-esque, all very wink-wink-nudge-nudge. Less direct answer, more interpretive dance.
But the questioning continued, with Senator Sarah Henderson taking the lead.
Senator Henderson: “Will Mr Robinson be the new replacement as the head of news and current affairs?”
Marks: “Again, Senator, I’m not into making announcements during Senate Estimates.”
Senator Henderson: “And how long before that announcement is made?”
Marks: “I expect it will be made in the near future, Senator.”
Senator Henderson: “Well, I appreciate you being open and honest with me, but if it’s Mr Robinson, I would ask that you confirm that.”
Marks: “We will, Senator. An announcement I expect to be made tomorrow.”
Senator Henderson: “Have you drafted the press release?”
Marks: “Senator? I haven’t. Haven’t approved a press release at this point.”
Senator Henderson: “Could we have a copy of the draft press release?”
Marks: “We will include your office on the distribution list.”
Oh, Hugh, you big tease.
Turns out we didn’t have to wait until tomorrow (today), with Aunty deciding to send out a press release announcing that yes, Robinson will be the new ABC News Boss at the incredibly convenient time of 4:56pm.
Just enough time for everyone to file before knock-offs and before Happy Hour comes to an end.
Almost like they work in media.