ABC boss Mark Scott renews call for ABC-SBS merger

Outgoing ABC managing director Mark Scott has used one of his final speeches to push the case for a merger between the broadcaster and SBS.

Mr Scott, who will leave his role in May, told the National Press Club in Canberra today it was time for a “grown up conversation” about a potential merger.

"By coming together, SBS and the ABC could still offer distinct brands under distinct charters," Mr Scott said.

"But it could be done without an entire separate back office, stand-alone buildings, studios and technology, IT, legal, finance, HR and corporate divisions, or a separate board.

"We could spend more of the funding serving audiences."

Mr Scott estimated the merger could save around $40 million, and revealed he and former SBS counterpart Shaun Brown had held private talks on the matter.

He said the idea was scrapped when the SBS board rejected the plan.

Another proposal floated by Mr Scott would see the ABC and SBS sharing the broadcasting spectrum and pushing some channels online to free up funds.

Despite the SBS mandate to cover multicultural Australian stories, Mr Scott said the distinction between the two public broadcasters had become murkier in recent years.

"Increasingly, the ABC and SBS have tripped over each other, as each strives to meet audience and programming needs best, to maximise audience engagement," he said.

Mr Scott also forecast the loss of some regional newspapers and rural television news broadcasts, with traditional advertising revenues now being pushed towards technology and streaming giants.

He said there was a strong chance some of the major Australian newspapers would cease printing daily editions, moving to a weekly or weekend only model.