If the government wants major change at the ABC it will need to use a different review,which it is currently keeping secret.
The report spectacularly rejected claims by media companies that the ABC was undermining the level-playing field.
The broadcaster said government control over its budget could influence or be seen to influence its editorial independence.
Michael Ebeid,who left SBS last month,called for wholesale changes to the way directors of both broadcasters are chosen.
Liberal senator and ABC critic Eric Abetz accused Mr Anderson of attempting to"game the system".
In a nine-page report,the communications secretary said he was"not in a position"to evaluate competing claims.
"Fake news"and exploitation of personal data are in the minister's sights as he awaits a key report.
Communications Minister Mitch Fifield already has in hand a document that could create further upheaval at the public broadcaster.
Former ABC chairman Justin Milne was so enraged by an episode of an ABC TV show that labelled a conservative political candidate a “c--t” that he demanded editorial policies be changed.
Sketch:An application for the combined and recently vacated jobs of managing director and chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
ABC employees told board members they were prepared to walk off the job if the chairman wasn’t asked to step aside.