The ABC has already interviewed for a replacement director of news and will "imminently" move forward a fresh hire after the surprising exit of a key executive this week.
Managing director Hugh Marks addressed Senate estimates on Thursday, a day after Justin Stevens announced his departure from the key post after four years for "reasons both professional and personal".
Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson, the coalition's communications spokeswoman, said it "very much looks like he was pushed ... and was on the chopping block" for recent controversies.
