In May, Marks faced scrutiny over the sudden resignation of the ABC news boss, with senators suggesting that Stevens had effectively been pushed out of the role.
Appearing before Senate Estimates less than 24 hours after Stevens’ resignation was announced internally, Marks was repeatedly questioned about the circumstances surrounding the veteran executive’s departure.
Within minutes of proceedings beginning, Senator Sarah Henderson told Marks: “It does very much look like he was pushed”.
“Can I put it to you that there were too many instances where Mr Stevens made the wrong judgment?” Henderson said.
“It does very much look like he was pushed, he was encouraged to resign, he was on the tipping block, I think it’s well known within and outside the ABC.”
Marks did not directly reject the characterisation, instead pivoting to the broadcaster’s future direction.
“As we go into a future that rapidly approaches for many years, but it continues at a pace, you know, it calls into question what our strategic priorities are in all of our output,” he said.
“What has served us in the past may not serve us well in the future, and this applies to all of our divisions, not just News and current affairs.”
