The Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s managing director, Hugh Marks, has addressed internal and public controversies surrounding the broadcaster’s recent programming decisions and leadership changes. Speaking on Radio National on Tuesday, Marks defended the ABC’s choice to air a four-part podcast hosted by former Australian of the Year Grace Tame, despite backlash over her past comments.

Tame, an activist known for her advocacy on sexual violence and survivor rights, drew criticism earlier this year following remarks made at a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney, where she led a chant to “globalise the intifada.” She also questioned reports of Israeli women being raped by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023, attacks, calling those accounts “debunked” on an ABC Radio program. These comments sparked controversy and concern over her involvement in an ABC project.

Marks acknowledged the sensitivity of the issues but emphasized the quality and importance of the podcast, which focuses on the experiences of autistic women and gender-diverse Australians. He said the broadcaster had engaged Tame prior to her controversial statements and highlighted her clear rejection of violence, especially against women and children. “There’s a balance in all these things, for the ABC to be ensuring that we bring great content to air and also acknowledging that, you know, with some people that we work with, sometimes there will be controversy,” Marks said.

Within the ABC, the decision also faced criticism, notably from presenter Charlie Pickering, who initially described Tame’s appointment as “problematic” but later softened his stance. Marks stated that Pickering’s comments did not breach the corporation’s public comment guidelines.

In a separate matter, Marks provided insight into the recent departure of Justin Stevens, the ABC’s longtime news director. Stevens left the organization late last month amid reported disagreements over the strategic direction of the ABC’s news services. Marks said the two had differing views on how to shape the future of news at the ABC, particularly as the broadcaster expands its live news output, which has led to increased pressure on staff and resources.

“We knew if we couldn’t get agreement on the way forward, that his resignation was inevitable,” Marks explained, noting that a formal recruitment process to find Stevens’ replacement was already underway before his departure was announced. He underscored the importance of assembling the best leadership team to guide the ABC through its evolving challenges.

The discussions reflect broader tensions within the ABC as it navigates contentious political topics and internal operational demands in a rapidly changing media landscape.