Peter Lewis slated for a possie on the ABC Board

Word is Peter Lewis, the former CFO from Southern Cross Austereo is one of three names shortlisted for a possie on the ABC Board

"The appointment to the country’s foremost cultural institution of Mr Lewis, whose expertise is in commercial media finance, would send a chilling message to the community about the ABC’s future”, said Glenys Stradijot, ABC Friends National spokesperson.

Before his short lived venture as CFO of SCA, Peter Lewis crafted  and conducted the Efficiency Review into both the ABC and SBS.

Mumbrella has reported his name was on a shortlist given to the Minister for Communications, Malcom Turnball to be put before cabinet to fill the current vacancy on the board.  They also reported that he applied for a position, and has been interviewed by the nominations panel.

Friends of the ABC have expressed their concern.

"ABC Board appointments are meant to be based on merit and made with respect for the ABC’s independence.”

"It would be improper and highly inappropriate if Mr Lewis were appointed to the ABC Board,"

"Mr Lewis’s appointment earlier this year to conduct the Government’s efficiency review of the ABC lacked propriety, given his recent employment has been in senior roles with media companies that are competitors of the ABC. It would be totally unacceptable for someone with such a clear conflict of interest to be appointed to the public broadcaster’s governing board.”