“Advertisements were placed by the panel in late 2017. The identity of all applicants is confidential,” he said.

“Announcements will be made in due course at the conclusion of the appointments process."

Expressions of interest were due in mid-December and applications are being assessed.

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ABC rules say there can be no fewer than four, and no more than six, other directors in addition to the managing director, chairperson and staff-elected director. There are currently five directors.

Most have several years left to run in their current positions. Former Seven West Media chief financial officer Peter Lewis, recently elected as chairman of McGrath, has until October 2019.

One of the requirements of the ABC board is to have a geographic spread across the states and territories and current board members span Adelaide, Sydney, Queensland and Perth.

When former Sydney-based board member Simon Mordant came off the board in November, it was speculated the ABC needed a Melbourne director.

The ABC board meets six times a year, with remuneration of $56,380 a year for non-executive directors.

To be chosen for the board, candidates go through a merit-based selection process, which includes a panel of four members. The process includes written applications, interviews, referee and probity checks. A shortlist of three or more candidates is then presented to the minister.