\u201cI understand what its original premise was, which was community-driven, agenda journalism \u2026 and I think it was brilliant. I think it had stopped being brilliant for that purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone says, well, what are you going to replace it with? There is no direct replacement. But I do say to the team all the time, we need to be thinking of things that do deal in that space of community-driven opinion, or comment, or news and debate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must be audience-focused, and we must reach as many Australians as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zeroing in on \u201cpremium content\u201d is core to Marks\u2019 blueprint to shake things up at the ABC, and he is in lockstep with the broadcaster\u2019s chair, Kim Williams, in demanding better news documentary output, more children\u2019s content and a commitment to local radio from the ABC.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you go back in time, a lot of the really great programs on screen at least, that have been real statements of Australia, have had the ABC at their essence, in terms of quality scripted comedy, kids, factual and entertainment programs of the past. The ABC does have a record of quality Australian content.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must be audience-focused, and we must reach as many Australians as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ABC has overhauled much of its management in the past year, and with allegations of interference<\/a> from Williams in the spotlight after a Media Watch report in recent months, Marks said he had quickly identified the need to firmly clarify senior roles, reporting lines and responsibilities to avoid any distractions or lack of clarity.<\/p>\n Loading<\/p>\n \u201cIt was very clear to me early on that I needed to be really firm in making sure that the right lines of reporting were in place and that they would be respected, and I didn\u2019t have any trouble. Kim\u2019s in absolute furious agreement with me on that and the board\u2019s in absolute furious agreement.\u201d <\/p>\n