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Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has flagged government budget cuts to the ABC of around $50 million a year, which could see several shows axed and hundreds of jobs lost.

The network itself broke the news of the impending cutbacks, with Monday night’s Media Watch putting the reduction in funding at six per cent, warning that 400-500 jobs could be lost at the broadcaster by the end of the year.

• What does the ABC stand to lose?

However, Mr Turnbull said later on Q&A the cuts would be closer to an average of five per cent “off the top” over the next five years.

“We’re spending more than we are receiving… so we’ve got to raise some more money and we’ve got to spend less,” Mr Turnbull said on the downsizing.

“There is no reason for the ABC and SBS to be exempt from that.”

Mr Turnbull also argued that the ABC had attempted to shift the blame onto the government for programming changes made of its own volition.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek argued that the cuts fell under a litany of broken promises from the Abbott government.

“Tony Abbott promised no cuts to health, education, the ABC and no new taxes,” Ms Plibersek said.

“He has broken all four promises and I’ll be rallying with ABC staff on Saturday.”

Opposition communications spokesman Jason Clare has accused Mr Turnbull of weasel words.

“They’re cutting the guts out of the ABC,” he told ABC TV on Tuesday.

“Julia Gillard was crucified for breaking one promise. Tony Abbott is a serial offender, he’s broken every promise he made before the election.”

Mr Clare said any savings from back office efficiencies should be channelled back into the ABC to invest in programs and content.

State versions of 7.30 face the axe, along with a scaling back of Lateline and closures of ABC bureaus in Bangkok, New Delhi, Tokyo and New Zealand.

ABC’s managing director Mark Scott is expected to reveal the full impact of the cuts to staff on Thursday.

Mr Turnbull flagged he would have more to say on the matter later this week.