The recently-departed head of SBS, Michael Ebeid, has delivered a scathing verdict on the ABC's tumultuous year, arguing the entire board should leave and calling for an upheaval of how directors are chosen at both public broadcasters.

Mr Ebeid – who left SBS in October after seven years at the helm – said an independent panel should select a new ABC board, and the board should then pick its chair as well as any future directors.

Former SBS boss Michael Ebeid delivered a scathing verdict on the turmoil at the ABC. Credit:Louie Douvis

"That's how every board in the country's done," Mr Ebeid told Fairfax Media. "I've never understood why the board of the SBS and the ABC cannot select their future board members [based on] people who have the right skills rather than connections to a government of either persuasion.

"As an independent public broadcaster, the government should have no say whatsoever in board members, including the chairman."