ABC News director Justin Stevens awarded $353,000 payout
ABC News director Justin Stevens received a $353,000 payout when he left in May after disagreements with managing director Hugh Marks.
Stevens exited ABC News in May after Marks had chosen his replacement, Simon Robinson. The payout, which includes leave and other entitlements, was disclosed in the ABC's annual report released Monday evening.
Marks told Radio National Breakfast that Stevens' departure was "inevitable" following disagreements over the direction of Australia's largest newsroom. Stevens was not aware the ABC was seeking to replace him before his exit.
The departure is part of major turnover in ABC senior management since Marks' arrival, with almost his entire leadership team replaced. Chief operating officer Melanie Kleyn has also left and been replaced by Trent Dickeson from Seven West Media.
New ABC News director Robinson has already made changes, axing The Business, a 20-year-old business news program.
- $353,000
- Stevens' payout
- 19 years
- Stevens' tenure at ABC
- 20 years
- The Business program run
- $1,199,856
- Marks' total package
Why it mattersThe payout and rapid management changes at the ABC signal internal instability at the broadcaster just as it faces scrutiny over editorial standards and impartiality in its news division.
AustraliaThe ABC is Australia's national broadcaster and primary news source for many. Senior departures and restructuring affect the newsroom's direction and the stories Australians see about their own country.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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