SBS disappointed about ABC show move

The head of SBS is disappointed its public broadcaster rival the ABC is moving its Foreign Correspondent program to the same timeslot as Dateline.

SBS managing director Michael Ebeid told a Senate committee on Tuesday he thought it was a "bit of a waste" to see both current affairs programs being aired on Tuesdays at 9.30pm (AEDT).

"I was disappointed and I still am."

Outgoing ABC managing director Mark Scott defended the decision saying the broadcaster wanted to give the Catalyst program its own timeslot and keep it earlier for children, given their interest in science.

"This happens in television from time to time," he told the committee.