Of all the people in all of the world, the ABC board landed on a local candidate when it went looking for a replacement for David Anderson, outgoing managing director. And who did it pick?

Hugh Marks, former chief executive of Nine, who left the company unexpectedly in 2021. Completely out of the blue. Then revealed he was in a relationship with a member of his leadership team. And just now, he’s revealed that he had no idea that Nine had cultural problems during his tenure.

The ABC’s new MD and former Nine boss Hugh Marks.Credit: Graphic illustration: Nathan Perri

To be honest, I’m totally on board with the decision. After all, the board must have done a really thorough search with a reputable headhunting firm. God bless them all, and good luck to all who sail in her.

SBS MD James Taylor wasn’t interested in the gig. He had the good sense to know that even though the ABC is a bigger fish – more responsibility and more status – it would also be nothing but trouble. Hours, days and weeks in Senate estimates. Scrutiny from the entire universe. Although maybe not so much flak from the conservative side of politics. Let’s not forget Marks and Peter Costello got on very well during their time working together at Nine. Marks even hosted a Liberal Party fundraiser at Nine’s old digs in Willoughby. He later said it was a mistake.

Now, the Albanese government –........

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