Hunt begins for new ABC chair

The federal government has instructed the ABC's independent nomination panel to begin the process to replace chairman James Spigelman.

The ABC's independent nomination panel will begin the process of replacing chairman James Spigelman. (AAP)

Wanted: a new ABC chairperson.

With the term of James Spigelman due to wrap up on March 31, the federal government has requested the broadcaster's independent nomination panel begin the selection process to replace him.

The panel will produce a list of names for Communications Minister Mitch Fifield and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to consider, with ads seeking candidates to be published early in the new year.