Meet the media heavyweights who are lining up for the two top jobs at the ABC after the managing director was sacked and the chairman resigned.
Some of the biggest names in Australian media are reportedly in the mix to replace Michelle Gurthie and Justin Milne at the nation’s public broadcaster.
Ms Guthrie, the ABC’s first female managing director, was sacked on Monday by Mr Milne and the board, who in turn handed in his resignation on Thursday.
The names being mooted for the covered positions are David Gonski, John Hartigan, Greg Hywood, Kim Williams, David Gyngell, Michael Ebeid, Christine Holgate and Amanda Laing, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Michelle Guthrie (right) was sacked as ABC managing director on Monday by chairman Justin Milne (left), who in turn resigned on Thursday
The eight candidates for the two roles have reportedly been discussed by the government and the ABC board, who are in early talks.
The highly sought after roles have opened up as the ABC finds itself in a period of unprecedented change with their two main leaders gone within a week.
Considered for the role of the ABC chair is businessman David Gonski and John Hartigan and Kim Williams, who previously held executive roles at News Corp Australia, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Former Nine chief executive and director David Gyngell is also a candidate for the ABC chair but is understood to be not interested, the publication reported.
Businessman David Gonski (pictured) is a candidate reportedly being considering the role for the ABC chair
John Hartigan (left) is the former chief executive and chair of News Corp Australia, while David Gyngell (right) is the former Nine chief executive and director
Kim Williams (pictured) was briefly the chief executive officer of News Corp Australia
Greg Hywood (pictured) is currently the chief executive of Fairfax Media
Fairfax Media chief executive Greg Hywood has reportedly expressed his interest for the ABC chair.
Reportedly considered for the role of managing director is Australia Post chief executive Christine Holgate and former SBS CEO Michale Ebeid.
NineMSN chief executive Joe Pollard and Foxtel chief commercial officer Amanda Laing, who was also the former managing director of Nine Entertainment, are also reportedly being considered.
Dr Kristin Ferguson is currently the interim ABC chair and David Anderson is the interim managing director.
Christine Holgate (left) is Australia Post chief executive and Michael Ebeid (right) is the former CEO and managing director of SBS
Amanda Laing (pictured, centre, front) is the Foxtel chief commercial officer who was also the former managing director of Nine Entertainment