One in five ABC managers – totalling up to 200 staff – will lose their jobs under a sweeping restructure announced by ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie.

Ms Guthrie acknowledged the "painful" cuts would be a blow for staff who lose their jobs, but said "swift and decisive action" was needed for the ABC to remain relevant to audiences.

As revealed by Fairfax Media last month, the savings generated by the job cuts will free up $50 million a year to invest in TV, radio and online content.

Up to 80 new content roles will also be created in regional Australia over the next 18 months.