$150k to send ABC reps to Cannes festival

The ABC spent nearly $150,000 sending 10 representatives to the Cannes festival last year.

Senior management confirmed the figure before a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Thursday, in response to questioning from Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie.

Chief Operating Officer David Pendleton said the majority of people attending were from the broadcaster's commercial arm and were selling ABC content.

Mr Pendleton said the length of their stays varied, as did the class of their flights.

"A number of people will tack on trips at the end," he admitted.

"I bet they do," Senator McKenzie replied.

"Heading over to Cannes and I might just spend a couple of weeks on the Riviera," she said.

New Managing Director Michelle Guthrie hasn't yet decided how many people will attend the festival this year.

Mr Pendleton insisted the broadcaster sold more content than it spent.