ABC boss Mark Scott has decried the government's decision to slash funding for the national broadcaster by $120 million, while labelling the axing of the Australia Network as confusing and disappointing.
Mr Scott on Wednesday warned there would have to be job cuts at the ABC in the wake of the Abbott government's first budget, but was unable to say how many people would go.
The budget contained a one per cent cut in funding to the ABC - amounting to about $120 billion over four years - despite promises from the coalition before the election that there would be no reduction.
The bulk of the cuts will come from axing the Australia Network, introduced as a vehicle of soft-power diplomacy, just one year into a 10-year contract.
Mr Scott said the government had failed to consult with him about the decision, adding that he had only had a "very brief meeting" with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.
The $20 million annual cost represented "exceptional value for money" to reach out and connect with Australia's regional neighbours in the region.
"It's a real person-to-person diplomatic initiative rather than being on the diplomatic cocktail circuit," Mr Scott told ABC radio on Wednesday.
Ms Bishop says the Australia Network failed to deliver a cost-effective vehicle for advancing Australia's interests in the region.
But Mr Scott said the network was reaching all its agreed targets, including growing its audiences and business partnerships.
The more ominous thing for ABC audiences was the possibility of further cuts to the broadcaster's funding, he said.
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