Hanson quizzes SBS boss over his pay

Pauline Hanson has quizzed the head of SBS over his salary while questioning why the public broadcaster shouldn't be privatised.

Two months after she called on the government to sell SBS, the One Nation leader made an appearance in a Senate committee on Wednesday to question Managing Director Michael Ebeid.

Mr Ebeid defended his $663,000 salary, which is set by an independent tribunal, and insisted he oversees a successfully run organisation.

Senator Hanson asked Mr Ebeid whether he thought his $92,000 in bonuses were justified.

"I think I'm probably worth a lot more senator," he replied.

He described a 2015 article published in The Australian which outlined his bonuses and travel as "the biggest load of horse manure I've read in a lot time".

Following Senator Hanson's questions on whether privatisation would be a good idea, Mr Ebeid said people who talk about such an idea really have no idea what SBS does.

"It would be impossible to privatise SBS because of its charter," he said.

He talked up the role the broadcaster plays in providing Australian news and current affairs in a range of languages.

"That's something you could never privatise, never make money on."

Senator Hanson, who admitted to not having much time to watch TV, also asked whether SBS offers shows to help migrants learn English.

Mr Ebeid said the broadcaster has a settlement guide available which directs migrants to services.