The ABC must accept full responsibility for any controversial program cuts rather than blaming the Abbott government, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has warned.

A frustrated Mr Turnbull said cutting programming is the "laziest" way to save money and that the ABC should focus on reducing back-of-office expenses.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull says cutting programs is the 'laziest' way for the ABC to save money. Credit:Rob Homer

The ABC is considering axing current affairs program Lateline, the state-based 7.30 programs and cutting back on radio current affairs programs.

Some of the ABC's most high-profile journalists have signed an internal petition calling for the ABC to keep Lateline on air while 40,000 people have signed a public petition launched by former Media Watch host Jonathan Holmes supporting the program.