SBS can't rule out program cuts

SBS can't rule out program cuts as a result of the government's decision to slash millions in funding.

The government on Wednesday announced SBS would have to find $53 million in cuts over five years, with ABC told to find $254 million over the same period.

SBS director of corporate affairs Peter Khalil said the "lean and agile" broadcaster had spent the past few years finding cost savings, predominately in back office operations.

That had left the back office with "very little left" and made it difficult to find further savings in that area.

"That's why I can't give guarantees (that programs won't be cut)," he told a Senate estimates hearing on Thursday.

"We're doing our best."

The government plans to change the law to enable SBS to collect more advertising revenue by allowing 10 minutes of ads per hour instead of five.

The total limit of 120 per day would remain, but the ability to load more ads during prime time would result in an additional $20 to $30 million over five years.

However, if that legislation doesn't pass the Senate, Mr Khalil said SBS would almost certainly have to cut content.

The SBS board is currently considering recommendations of the Lewis review, which identified possible efficiencies across SBS and the ABC.

The broadcaster is also looking at other savings measures, like reducing salaries, outsourcing and working with the ABC on areas like purchasing to take advantage of economies of scale.

SBS's annual budget is about $380 million per year, with $287 million funded by taxpayers.

The remaining $90 to $100 million comes from advertising and commercial revenue.

Government frontbencher Mitch Fifield said the government's plans to rebalance advertising minutes at SBS were "modest and reasonable".

However, Labor senator Sam Dastyari said the plan would force the Senate to vote for legislation to avoid a large hole in SBS revenue.

Australian Greens senator Scott Ludlam labelled the move "extortion".