ABC, SBS budgets cut

National broadcasters ABC and SBS will lose $43.5 million in funding over four years.

The coalition at the election promised not to cut funding to two broadcasters.

But the 2014/15 budget includes a one per cent cut in their base funding, described as a "down payment" on an efficiency study completed earlier this year.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said all government bodies needed to play a role in building a stronger economy.

"By sharing the load, we lighten the load," he said.

Mr Turnbull said better work practices would make it easier to find the savings.