Embattled broadcast watchdog chief resigns

Head of the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) David Flint has resigned from the position only four months before the end of his term.

Professor Flint says his decision to stand down is because of the upcoming merger between the Australian Broadcast Authority and the Communications Authority.

He also said his resignation was in the public interest.

His term as ABA chairman has been plagued by controversy.

Recently it was revealed Professor Flint had written fan mail to broadcaster Alan Jones and not disclosed it during the cash for comment inquiry.

The Federal Opposition has also previously accused Professor Flint of political bias because of his membership in the Liberal party.

Prime Minister John Howards said he noted the resignation but says he has nothing further to say on the matter.

David Flint today insisted he had never exhibited any actual bias.

Professor Flint says he has not been forced out of the job by recent controversies.

"I don't think my position has become untenable and the board has indicated to me that they could continue to work effectively with me but I think there is a public interest in my vacating the office rather than waiting for what would be a matter of a few further weeks," he said.

His resignation is effective at the end of this week.

ABA board member Ian Robertson says Professor Flint's departure will assist the merger, but believes the chairman privately felt his own position was untenable.

"My own feeling, which I expect is shared by a majority of the board of the ABA, is relief to some extent," he said.

"This whole episode particularly in recent months has been very distracting and I think we're now free to concentrate on the job at hand without this distraction."

Federal Opposition leader Mark Latham has welcomed the resignation of Prof Flint.

Mr Latham says he had a range of conflicts of interest over a long period of time.

"He was unsuitable in that position and the fact that he has resigned is something that is good and it should allow the authority to move on and do a better job in the future," he said.

The Australian Democrats say the ABA must have a merit-based appointment process.

Communications spokesperson, John Cherry, fears there will be a political appointment otherwise.

"I'm deeply concerned that given this Government's track record of putting political mates into positions that if we don't change the act and put in a merit-based appointments process, we will get another mate into this position," he said.

"I think the last thing the ABA needs after the experience the last couple of years under Professor Flint is another mate in such a sensitive political regulatory position."

sourced ABC