ABC operations

Hugh Marks has been appointed managing director of the ABC

ABC press release

Hugh Marks appointed Managing Director of the ABC

ABC Chair Kim Williams AM today announced media and production industry executive Hugh Marks as the new Managing Director of the ABC.

Mr Marks was appointed by the ABC Board unanimously following an extensive domestic and international search.

“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,” Mr Williams 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.

“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.”

Mr Marks comes to the ABC after nearly three years at Dreamchaser - a contemporary Australian content studio he co-founded and co-led, which partners with Australia’s leading creators to develop, finance, produce, and distribute premium content across all genres for the global film and television market.

He was previously CEO of Nine Entertainment which grew from an $800 million television network into a more than $5 billion predominantly digital, modern media business in a declining advertising market under his nearly six-year leadership.

During that time, he oversaw the merger of Nine and Fairfax Media – the largest media transaction in Australia over the past 30 years, which reshaped the media landscape – and a major renegotiation of sporting rights and many other realignments in the settings for news, information and entertainment media to Australians.

Mr Marks said he was honoured to lead the ABC and excited for the opportunities ahead.

“I appreciate the confidence Kim Williams and the Board have placed in me 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.

“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.”

Mr Marks has been appointed for a five-year term, in accordance with the ABC Act, and will serve as Editor-in-Chief with the ultimate responsibility for all editorial content with responsibility to the ABC Board.

His appointment is effective from Monday 10 March 2025.

From Screen Producers Australia

SPA Congratulates Hugh Marks on ABC Appointment

Today, Screen Producers Australia (SPA) congratulates Hugh Marks on his appointment as the new Managing Director of the ABC.

Hugh Marks is one of Australia’s most experienced media executives, with 30+ years of local and international experience in broadcasting, streaming and screen production.

“We congratulate Hugh on his appointment to this critical position for our screen industry. Hugh understands the challenges of running successful and sustainable screen businesses, which are essential for the ABC to deliver Australian content that audiences enjoy here and around the world,” said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner.

Hugh has previously steered SPA member businesses Southern Star Group, now known as Endemol Shine Australia and most recently, Dreamchaser.

“Hugh has considerable experience in the content industry and a deep strategic understanding and knowledge of the critical relationships needed in our sector to navigate the challenges in making and delivering Australian content to audiences.

“He also has deep experience of the range of policy levers available to governments to ensure Australians receive Australian stories on their screens. Our industry, its content businesses and its workforce are all interconnected, so the policy landscape, including the ABC’s role, must be thought of as part of an overall ecology that needs to be successfully balanced to ensure that we are positively advancing the industry.

“It’s a very challenging time for many working to deliver Australian stories - and the ABC is one of the most important elements in ensuring our sector’s ongoing health and stability,” said Mr Deaner.

Hugh has been appointed for a five-year term.

In January 2024, SPA also welcomed Kim William AM as Chair of the ABC and, in August, congratulated outgoing Managing Director David Anderson on his years of ABC leadership.

MEAA press release

New ABC boss presents opportunity for a reset

New ABC managing director Hugh Marks must seize the opportunity to make cultural change in the organisation and to restore the confidence of editorial staff that senior management will always have their backs.

The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance said Mr Marks will have a full in tray of issues to deal with when he starts in March, including implementing the recommendations of the Listen Loudly, Act Strongly review of racism.

The acting Director of MEAA Media, Michelle Rae, said journalists would be looking for a strong signal from Mr Marks that he would protect the editorial independence of the ABC from outside attacks or interference.

That should begin with bringing to a close the legal saga caused by the sacking of Antoinette Lattouf from ABC Sydney radio a year ago.

“There is no more important job in the Australian media industry than managing director of the ABC, and it is a position that requires strong, responsible, consultative and accountable leadership,” she said.

“MEAA members welcome the appointment of Hugh Marks with an open mind but will expect him to quickly demonstrate that he understands the unique role of the ABC and will put the ABC and its staff first.

“His appointment, along with the announcement today of $126 million in additional funding from 2026-27, will hopefully bring to an end the instability and uncertainty of the past 12 months.

“Staff want an end to the perpetual cycle of redundancies and restructures so they can have confidence that they can have viable, secure careers at the ABC.

“MEAA members will approach the new era of leadership with a spirit of collaboration and expect that to be reciprocated by consultation with staff.”


ABC Deputy Chair Peter Tonagh resigns

The Chair of the ABC, Mr Kim Williams AM, today advised that Mr Peter Tonagh had provided his resignation from the ABC Board to the Governor General, Her Excellency Ms Sam Mostyn AC. He noted that accordingly Mr Tonagh also would cease to serve in the role of Deputy Chair of the ABC Board.

Mr Williams indicated he had informed the Honourable Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications, of Mr Tonagh’s resignation noting that Mr Tonagh had made a valuable contribution to the effective running of the ABC since his initial appointment to the ABC Board in May 2021, and had provided invaluable leadership after accepting the role of Deputy Chair in November 2021.

Mr Williams expressed heartfelt gratitude to Peter Tonagh for his service on the Board and before that in the Efficiency Review he led for Minister Fifield on the ABC and SBS. He observed that Peter Tonagh’s service saw a period of dedicated commitment to the ABC and its good governance. He thanked him and saluted his spirit of exemplary public commitment.

Mr Tonagh said he was very grateful for the opportunity to have served on the ABC board and thanked the directors and the executive for the camaraderie and enjoyment that being part of the ABC Board had brought him during his tenure and wished the ABC every success for the future.

Mr Tonagh expressed personal satisfaction and support for the appointment of Hugh Marks as the next Managing Director from 10 March 2025. He indicated he thought that the ABC had been well served by its departing Managing Director David Anderson, who he wished every success in his future endeavours and remarked that he was confident Mr Marks would build strongly on Mr Anderson’s impressive legacy.

Collaboration celebrates First Nations languages through the power of song

A collaboration between First Languages Australia and ABC Education, is helping to revitalise and celebrate First Nations languages through the power of song.

Yarrabil Bula shares performances by First Nations artists who have created a vibrant collection of children’s songs featuring the artists’ own languages. Yarrabil means ‘sing’ in the Yugambeh language.

The project’s first series was released during NAIDOC Week 2024 and introduced six songs that included words or were performed in the singer’s language. Yarrabil Bula (meaning ‘two’) is set to launch in time for the first school term of 2025 and features songs in Arrernte, palawa kani Yawuru, Wiradjuri, Pitjantjatjara and Yugambeh.

This second series also introduces a unique collaboration, Greeting Song, which sees the artists translate lyrics into their own languages. The result is a powerful expression of First Nations linguistic diversity.

The Yarrabil collection is available online through the First Languages Australia and ABC Education websites. In addition to the songs, the resources include teacher materials and guides for incorporating First Nations languages into classrooms. This project is part of the ongoing work of First Languages Australia and ABC Education to support language revitalisation.

First Languages Australia and ABC Education invite everyone to join in the celebration of First Nations languages and culture. The Yarrabil Bula song and supporting resources create a space for all Australians to engage with and learn from the rich languages of First Nations people.

For more information and to access the Yarrabil songs, visit: www.abc.net.au/education/digibooks/yarrabil-bula-first-nations-songs/104810588

First Languages Australia CEO and Murrawarri man, Beau Williams: “This project offers more than just a collection of songs. It offers First Nations communities an opportunity to share their culture and connect with others. Yarrabil Bula is a vital tool for language revitalisation and a source of pride for communities. Singing in language helps connect performers to their Country and their community. We hope that this project will help ensure future generations continue to speak, sing and celebrate their languages.”

Head, ABC Education, Annabel Astbury: “This project is a delight from many perspectives: from introducing children to new languages and histories to the enjoyment of music and performance. The songs enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to develop a wider recognition and understanding of their language and culture and for non-indigenous students, the songs in Yarrabil Bula opens up a world of language and appreciation for the rich and enduring First Nations cultures that thrive in Australia.”

Yugambeh woman, Yarrabil project lead and artist, Faith Baisden: “There are still so many people in this country who have no idea of how many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages there are, and how different they are from each other. Listening to the beautiful languages we are sharing in the Yarrabil collection is the perfect way to start the journey of discovery.”

The ABC’s chief content officer, Chris Oliver-Taylor, will leave the ABC after his role was substantially downgraded by the new ABC chair, Kim Williams.

Oliver-Taylor’s tenure was marred by the fallout from his decision to sack casual Sydney radio presenter Antoinette Lattouf.

Both as bad as each other. Lattouf carried on like a porkchop, claiming she should host Media Watch and so on…

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ABC press release

Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor

ABC Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor has announced his departure from the organisation after leading the ABC’s content teams through a period of transformation and growth.

One of Australia’s most successful content leaders and producers, Chris was appointed by the ABC as the inaugural Chief Content Officer in March 2023 to lead all content platforms – screen, audio and digital.

The role required Chris to develop and launch the new Content division created from the merger of the former Entertainment & Specialist and Regional & Local divisions.

During Chris’ leadership of ABC Content:

  • The ABC TV Network (all channels) achieved the number one ranked television broadcaster in 2023–24, with a reach of 36.4% or 6.6 million people across the five-city metro population.
  • Commissioned many successful programs in partnership with the independent production sector including The Assembly, The Family Next Door, Return to Paradise, Austin, Guy Mont’s Spelling Bee, Bluey’s Big Play and I Was Actually There.
  • Delivered over 20% growth in weekly users on ABC iview.
  • Ensured that ABC iview was the number one ranked BVOD service in 2023–24 with a 34% share of on-demand minutes across the year.
  • ABC Radio reached an estimated 4.77 million people each week in the five capital cities.

ABC Managing Director David Anderson congratulated Chris on his achievements in the role and thanked him for his leadership and valuable contribution to the ABC.

“Chris has been outstanding in his creative approach to supporting our content teams and delivering valued programs for our audiences. He took on a very challenging role, one that required someone with his experience and ability, and led our content teams through this period of change and growth.

“The ABC thanks him and wishes him well for the next stage of his career.”

In a message to his ABC colleagues, Chris Oliver Taylor said:

“After recent discussions with the Managing Director and reflecting on my ongoing conversations with the ABC Board and the Chair across many months, I have decided to make a difficult decision and move on to new opportunities outside of the ABC. With a new MD, a renewed Board and what I think is a very positive and hopeful future, the ABC is in great shape to continue its vital role as the pre-eminent public broadcaster in Australia.

“There is sadness in this decision but also pride and excitement with the slate that will roll out across 2025 and in future years.

“The ABC is a vital cultural institution that will continue to deliver world-class content. I will always be a strong supporter of the ABC and public broadcasting and am deeply grateful for my time here, as well as the dedication of my ABC colleagues and the production companies that contribute to its success.”

Following the elevation of ABC Audio in late 2024, the ABC will now discontinue the Chief Content Officer role.

Chris’ final day at the ABC will be February 28th. ABC Head Screen Content Jennifer Collins will step into the role of Director Content from today to lead the Content division until further notice.

Antoinette Lattouf v ABC case headed to trial

The ABC will defend its decision to sack casual Sydney radio presenter Antoinette Lattouf in a federal court trial listed to start on Monday 3 February.

Lattouf was removed by ABC management after sharing a post from Human Rights Watch alleging Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza. The ABC had reported on the Human Rights Watch claim.

The ABC strongly denied the dismissal was the result of outside pressure on the broadcaster after revelations of a campaign by pro-Israel lobbyists to have her dismissed.

Live Stream Registrations Open for Mental Health Matters: A Screen Leaders’ Summit

The ABC, in partnership with Screen Well, invites registrations for the live stream of Mental Health Matters: A Screen Leaders’ Summit on Thursday.

Mental Health Matters brings together leaders from networks, streamers, screen agencies, and industry bodies to address mental health and wellbeing in the Australian screen industry. The event will be hosted by ABC News Anchor Jeremy Fernandez at the ABC Studios in Sydney and the opening address will be delivered by ABC Managing Director David Anderson.

Sessions will include submissions from cast and crew on workplace challenges impacting mental health, and a presentation of findings from Griffith University’s Australian Screen Industry Mental Health and Wellbeing Survey.

UK Film & TV Charity CEO Marcus Ryder will share insights from UK screen, and an expert panel will discuss mental health support and wellbeing in other sectors.

Mental Health Matters Panelists

  • Georgie Harman, CEO, Beyond Blue
  • Lucinda Brogden AM, Director, Corporate and Mental Health Alliance Australia
  • Brad Parker, CEO, Mates in Construction NSW
  • Margo Lydon, Chief Advisor, Workplace Mental Health Advisory

In-person attendance is by invitation only and the summit will conclude with a facilitated workshop for industry leaders to reflect on this information and provide practical and sustainable solutions.

Live steam registration

A live Zoom stream of the Opening and Panel sessions is now available for industry access, registration is available here: Live Stream Registration

ABC streaming radio platform works in February 2025

The ABC is rolling out a new streaming radio platform throughout February 2025.

This streaming radio platform supports our radio stations across Australia. This includes the ABC listen app, triple j app, third-party radio apps, smart speakers, streaming on websites and internet radios.

This work does not relate to AM, FM or DAB+ radio services, radio stations on TV channels or VAST satellite receivers.

We are carrying out these upgrades to ensure our audio streams remain reliable in the future.

Listeners will access our streaming services the same way. The design and use of our streaming apps and websites will stay the same.

We don’t expect any impact on the streams’ availability. You won’t need to update any ABC app once the upgrade is complete.

If you have problems accessing our radio streams, please use this contact form. Tell us how you’re listening (e.g. ABC listen app), your streaming device, and the issue (e.g. an error message, silence etc).

Statement from ABC Managing Director: Release of Final Independent Review Report

Statement from ABC Managing Director David Anderson: Release of Final Independent Review Report

The ABC has submitted the final Independent Review Report, conducted by Mr Alan Sunderland, to the Senate and the Senate Committee for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

This follows the release of Mr Sunderland’s Interim Report, tabled in the Senate and published 5 November 2024, which found that editing errors inadvertently introduced the sound of additional gunshots into a video clip of helmet camera footage embedded in an online article and used during part one of a 7.30 broadcast in September 2022 (the “Line of Fire” stories). It also found one comment from an interviewee, former US Drug Enforcement Agency leader Bret Hamilton, was not shown in proper context.

ABC News Director Justin Stevens released a statement in response to the Interim Report and the ABC stands by this statement.

Mr Sunderland’s review was based on all available information and was conducted independently, with the full cooperation of the ABC and relevant staff.

The Final Independent Review Report includes additional sections based on the handling of complaints.

Mr Sunderland has investigated when the ABC first become aware of any potential problems with, or complaints about, the editing of the helmetcam footage, and what actions, if any, were taken in response.

Mr Sunderland found that: “ABC journalists only became aware of the potential problems in the lead up to the broadcast of the [Channel Seven] Spotlight program [in September 2024]. They immediately took action to acknowledge the editing error and remove the content, pending this more complete and detailed review.”

Mr Sunderland said there was “strong evidence of rigorous and thorough journalism in the preparation of the “Line of Fire” stories”.

Importantly, he concluded: “There is also no evidence that anyone at the ABC, from the reporter to the video editor to the producer and to all those involved at higher levels in the ABC News and Legal divisions deliberately doctored, falsified, manipulated or distorted information, material or evidence in order to mislead audiences.

“On the contrary, there was significant care taken to ensure the stories were checked, discussed, reviewed and upwardly referred.”

And finally: “It is all the more disappointing, therefore, that through a combination of reasons, the stories contained flaws which in my view undermined their accuracy and their impact, and had the potential to mislead audiences.”

The Review has made seven recommendations. The ABC accepts them all in full and has begun implementing them.

I would like to thank Mr Sunderland for his conscientious and thorough work on this review.

The “Line of Fire” stories at the centre of the review reported on a number of matters of public importance regarding the alleged conduct of Australian soldiers. The ABC stands by the vital importance of its investigations.

However, while our reporting was in the public interest, the report has identified failures of process. This is a matter of sincere regret.

The ABC has already apologised and expressed regret for the editing errors, including to the members of the 2nd Commando Regiment. The video was removed as soon as journalists became aware of the errors.

The ABC has also apologised to Mr Hamilton for not providing proper context and potentially misleading audiences in relation to one comment by him.

I would like to extend these apologies for the lapses in our processes to our audience. We hold ourselves to high standards and are committed to not repeating such errors in the future.

Finally, I apologise to Heston Russell and other members of the 2nd Commando Regiment for the impact of these shortcomings. The “Line of Fire” reports did not name or allege any wrongdoing by Mr Russell; however, he has made public criticisms of the stories in his capacity as a former member of 2nd Commando Regiment.

The recommendations from Mr Sunderland’s review will strengthen our processes and will help ensure we can avoid such outcomes in the future.

Recommendations

  1. 1.Editorial policies and guidance should be reviewed to ensure that the importance of maintaining the integrity of crucial source material is maintained, particularly in investigative stories.
  2. 2.Training should be reviewed, in particular for non-editorial staff working in investigative areas, to ensure everyone is aware of key editorial principles including the need to maintain the integrity of source material.
  3. 3.Editing practices should be reviewed to ensure there is regular, timely and detailed face-to-face contact between editors, reporters and researchers during the editing process.
  4. 4.When multi-platform stories are being prepared, consistent and equal scrutiny should be applied to all elements of the story across all platforms.
  5. 5.News should review the guidance note on interviews and discuss.
  6. 6.Steps should be taken to ensure effective communication between News and Legal to follow up any editorial matters raised during legal proceedings.
  7. 7.Steps should be taken to ensure adequate staff and resources are available to deal with complex and demanding legal matters.

Appointment of ABC Deputy Chairperson

The Albanese Government has appointed Ms Georgina Somerset AM as Deputy Chairperson of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Board for a period of six months.

Ms Somerset has served on the Board as a non-executive Director since 2017 and brings considerable experience to the role, including across the not-for-profit and regional development sectors.

Her appointment as Deputy Chair for a six-month term will provide stability and certainty to the Board, as the ABC continues to deliver on its Charter to provide services and programs that inform and entertain Australians.

Ms Somerset’s appointment fills the vacant Deputy Chair position created by the resignation of non‑executive Director and Deputy Chair Mr Peter Tonagh in December 2024.

Mr Tonagh served on the ABC Board as a non-executive Director from May 2021, and was appointed Deputy Chair in November of that year.

The Government thanks Mr Tonagh for his service throughout his time on the Board and wishes him well for his future endeavours.

The independent Nomination panel for ABC Board appointments will conduct a merit-based selection process to fill the non-executive Director vacancy on the Board, in line with requirements under the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 .

Following this process, the Government will select a non-executive Director from the ABC Board to perform the Deputy Chair role in the longer term.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“The Board performs a crucial role in guiding the ABC, including maintaining its independence and integrity, and ensuring the accuracy and impartiality of news.

“Ms Somerset has been an asset to the Board during her term and will continue to make a strong contribution in the role of Deputy Chair for the next six months.

“On behalf of the Government, I wish Mr Tonagh the best for his next chapter, and thank him for his service to public broadcasting.”

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I am not sure why Country Arts SA, the State Theatre Company South Australia and State Opera South Australia need to relocate with the ABC to a new central site. Once the ABC moves out of the Collinswood building, more space will be available for the three arts organisations.

Judging by this line it sounds like the building may be approaching the end of it’s lifespan, and would likely have to be demolished and replaced at significant cost - easier to find a new site, rather than have to pay for a new building AND a space to relocate everything while they are building said new building.

The ABC said its current Collinswood building was “reaching the end of its suitability” for technology, production and staff requirements.

If the current Collinswood building is to be demolished, then yes all the tenants will have to move out.