The independence of the ABC should be enshrined in the Australian constitution to prevent politicians meddling with its charter, a new report argues.

The report, by the progressive Australia Institute think tank, also argues for the Australian public to have a role in selecting ABC board members and for funding to be depoliticised.

According to the report, No Politics at Aunty's Table: Depoliticising the Governance of the ABC, the ABC charter has come under intense pressure recently from political parties and commercial interests.

Commercial media outlets have argued for the ABC to scale back its online operations, even though its charter includes the delivery of "digital services".