Radio host Alan Jones.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
The deal comes as Macquarie's star shock jock Jones faces a public backlash and aboycott from several advertisersafter making disparaging remarks on air about New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
"There's a bunch of talented people there and,remember,Alan's breakfast program in Sydney ... would be less than 10 per cent of Macquarie Media[total revenue],let alone the revenue position of Nine,"Mr Marks said.
"Alan's a good broadcaster,Macquarie have made plenty of comments about their relationship and recent events so I won't go into that but yes,of course,that business can survive the loss of any of its talent."
Jones has been told by Macquarie management that his contract will be terminated if he has another major mishap. Mr Marks said"of course"the radio network could survive if that were to happen.
The expectation of all our presenters is they need to be better ... Alan knows that,he owned up to that himself.
Nine CEO Hugh Marks
He said the firm reaction from Macquarie's management to Jones was a"response to the market".