By Luke Costin in Sydney

Hugh Marks will take the reins of the ABC after the former Nine Entertainment chief executive won a global search for the top media role.

Mr Marks, whose six-year stint at Nine included the broadcaster’s merger with the publisher of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, was well-qualified to lead the ABC’s editorial and creative production teams, chair Kim Williams said on Tuesday.

“Hugh is a highly successful media executive, with more than 30 years’ experience in Australia and internationally in content production, programming, and distribution, working across all platforms from television, radio, and online publishing and with extensive news experience,” Mr Williams said in a statement.

“This breadth of experience is rare and will be critical to the ABC as we look to further strengthen our reach and engagement with the Australian community.”

His appointment to managing director will not be without controversy after a recent report exposed a toxic culture within Nine’s television newsrooms.

An internal report in October found nearly half of the commercial media giant’s employees had experienced bullying, discrimination or harassment in the past five years, with one quarter experiencing sexual harassment.

Mr Marks led Nine from 2015 to 2021, leaving after it was reported he was in a relationship with a senior executive.

In the years since, he has been at Dreamchaser, a contemporary Australian film and TV production studio he co-founded and co-led.

His five-year term at the ABC begins in March.

He replaces David Anderson, who announced his departure in August.

“I look forward to working with everyone at the ABC as it continues to host and guide discussion on the issues of importance to Australia and lead in the delivery of quality, truthful and engaging news, and premium content,” Mr Marks said.

“The ABC is an iconic and formidable media organisation.

“No other institution has the reach and impact of the ABC, and it is a privilege to lead the ABC workforce as we confront the many technology and programming opportunities before us.”

The appointment came as the federal government pledged to legislate five-year funding terms for the ABC and SBS to ensure stability at the national broadcasters.

That promise coincided with ABC getting another $83.1 million for the 2027 and 2028 financial years and $43 million in the years following.

“The national broadcasters are important cultural institutions and pillars of our democracy, providing world-class news and entertainment in accordance with their statutory charters, for the benefit of all Australians,” Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said.