Ita Buttrose, 77, 'is set to be named chair of the ABC and become just the second ever woman to head up the corporation' Ita Buttrose is the surprise frontrunner to take over as the next chair of the ABC Federal cabinet is expected to discuss next week her possible appointment By Stephen Johnson For Daily Mail Australia Published: 22:14 GMT, 24 February 2019 | Updated: 22:14 GMT, 24 February 2019 Viewcomments Ita Buttrose is a surprise frontrunner to become the next chair of the ABC - almost five decades after becoming the first woman to edit a mass circulation magazine. The 77-year-old media trailblazer is expected to be discussed by federal cabinet next week. Buttrose, a former Australian of the Year and Studio 10 personality, if chosen would become the second woman ever to have chaired the ABC board. Ita Buttrose (pictured) is a surprise frontrunner to become the next chair of the ABC - almost five decades after becoming the first woman to edit a mass circulation magazine Her appointment would bring to a close a troubled period for the national broadcaster following the rancorous exit of the previous chairman Justin Milne and managing director Michelle Guthrie six months ago. Communications Minister Mitch Fifield is expected to bring the matter up with cabinet this week. 'The government is undertaking a process to appoint a new ABC chair,' a government spokesman said. 'No decision has been made and an announcement will be made in due course.' Buttrose in 1972 was the founding editor of Cleo magazine, which featured nude centrefolds of male celebrities, and was later editor of The Australian Women's Weekly A woman hasn't chaired the ABC since the late Dame Leonie Kramer was appointed in the 1980s. Buttrose in 1972 was the founding editor of Cleo magazine, which featured nude centrefolds of male celebrities, and was later editor of The Australian Women's Weekly. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility