ABC, SBS spared further cuts

The ABC and SBS have been saved from further budget cuts.

The ABC will receive $3.1 billion in base funding over the next three years, while SBS will get $814 million, the budget papers reveal.

Local news and current affairs services operated by the ABC, particularly in regional areas, will get a $41 million boost, while SBS is to get an extra $7 million to make up for the fact that the Senate declined to pass changes to way in which it can program advertising.

Commercial radio and TV broadcasters have also had a win in the budget, with licence fees to by reduced by 25 per cent.

It will ease pressure on the big networks, who face growing competition for revenue from companies such as Netflix and Apple who pay no licence fees.