The ABC board would have to include two members living outside the major cities and the broadcaster's charter would be amended to include a commitment to regional Australia, under sweeping changes being pushed by National Party MPs.

The ABC would also be required to broadcast at least five radio bulletins a day consisting mostly of local news.

The bill, to be introduced into Parliament by Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie, is not official government policy but has passed the Nationals party room. Government MPs from regional areas applauded when the bill was discussed during the Coalition party room meeting on Tuesday.

Senator McKenzie said the bill was sparked by anger at recent changes to regional radio programming announced by the ABC in October.