Xenophon to fight for ABC shortwave radio

Crossbench senator Nick Xenophon plans on introducing legislation to parliament seeking to have the ABC's shortwave radio service reinstated.

Nick Xenophon Team leader Senator Nick Xenophon Source: AAP

Key crossbench senator Nick Xenophon will introduce a bill to parliament to force the ABC to reinstate its shortwave radio service.

The service in the Northern Territory and parts of the Pacific was switched off on Tuesday following an announcement by the broadcaster in December, with savings to be put back into digital and FM services.

"The ABC management needs to be held to account for a decision that will have a profound impact on the bush here in Australia ... but also it's a case of Australia retreating from the Asia Pacific," Senator Xenophon told ABC radio on Wednesday.