Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has acknowledged concerns about political influence in the appointment of conservative commentator Janet Albrechtsen and former Liberal Party politician Neil Brown to the panel overseeing the selection ABC and SBS board members.

Mr Turnbull distanced himself from the appointments on Friday, saying they were not his decision and he had not been consulted during the process.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has denied the appointments were politically-driven. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Under the merit-based process introduced by Labor, the members of the ABC and SBS nomination panel for board appointments are chosen by the secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Ian Watt, a veteran public servant, is currently secretary of the department.