ABC boss denies neglecting regional Aust

The ABC's managing director says the broadcaster needs to save money to reinvest in its digital future, and denies it's Sydney-centric.

The ABC boss has denied the broadcaster is too focused on Sydney at the expense of regional areas. (AAP)

ABC boss Mark Scott has denied the broadcaster is too focused on Sydney at the expense of regional areas.

The ABC will close five regional radio outposts, axe the state-based editions of 7.30 and end Radio National's Bush Telegraph program as it looks to find $254 million in budget savings.

Critics have argued the ABC has neglected its regional services while pouring resources into breakfast programming and digital operations to compete with commercial networks.

Mr Scott said there was a need for the ABC to save money to reinvest in the broadcaster's online and mobile future.

"It's not to do with being Sydney-centric. It's to do with being as efficient and effective as we can whilst fulfilling our charter," he told ABC radio in Adelaide on Tuesday.

"We can't spend billions of dollars on building regional facilities, (but) we are making a commitment to television production around the country."

The cuts are set to make South Australia one of the hardest-hit areas. Thirty-seven jobs will be lost when television production ends in Adelaide.

Mr Scott said programs would continue to be made in SA and other states despite the closure of production facilities.

Earlier, Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie accused the ABC managing director of persistently underfunding the national broadcaster's regional operations.

Asked whether she had opposed cuts to the ABC in the party room, Senator McKenzie said she supported getting the federal budget back on track.