Guthrie grilled on NT shortwave cut-off

Both sides of politics have criticised the ABC boss over a decision to switch off its shortwave radio service in the Northern Territory and parts of the Pacific.

Managing director Michelle Guthrie was grilled about the December announcement when she fronted a Senate hearing in Canberra on Tuesday afternoon.

She insisted the ABC would still broadcast via FM and AM frequencies, the viewer access satellite television (VAST) service and online.

The public broadcaster was still meeting its charter obligations, she said, citing examples of similar decisions made abroad including the BBC.

Ms Guthrie said the ABC had only been contacted by 15 people who relied on shortwave radio with concerns about the decision.

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie shared fears from regional residents about getting information during natural disasters and emergencies.

"That is still provided by the Bureau of Meteorology by shortwave," she responded.

Asked by NT Labor senator Malarndirri McCarthy whether she would reverse the decision, Ms Guthrie said "no".

She apologised for not being able to attend a Senate hearing into the issue next week, which has received 51 submissions in opposition to the decision.

"I agree that it's terrible when 15 people are affected," she said.

But she urged people to contact the ABC to find transitional arrangements.