One could quibble at the effectiveness of the Australian Communications and Media Authority as a media regulator. But who could doubt its provision of well-paid end-of-career gigs for former media executives?

After six years as chief executive and deputy chair, ex-News Corp, Nine and Abbott government spinner Creina Chapman is stepping down from the regulator on December 10. The search for her replacement to the $454,154-a-year role is under way, spearheaded by ex-ABC host turned Derwent executive recruiter Emma Alberici. Widely expected to eventually replace Chapman is current full-time authority member Adam Suckling.