ABC managing director Hugh Marks has revealed that former news director Justin Stevens was unaware the broadcaster had begun an international search for his replacement before his resignation.
Marks made the comments following Stevens’ departure last month after nearly two decades with ABC News.
According to Marks, the decision to search internationally for a new news director was taken because management and Stevens “couldn’t get agreement on the way forward”.
Stevens, a 19-year veteran of ABC News, resigned after Marks informed him that Reuters executive Simon Robinson had been recruited to take over the role.
The revelation provides new details about the circumstances surrounding Stevens’ exit and the leadership transition within the ABC’s news division.
Marks defended the process, arguing that the organisation needed to move ahead with plans for the future direction of its news operations.
The appointment of Robinson marks a significant leadership change for ABC News as the broadcaster seeks to reshape its news strategy.