Social media users have reacted with disbelief after Christoper Pyne started a petition to save the ABC in his home town.

Federal minister Christopher Pyne took to Twitter to beg the ABC not to shut down its South Australian TV production unit.

"The board must reassure South Australians that the local TV production house of the ABC will remain in South Australia," Mr Pyne's petition says.

It's produced award-winning show Dream Build as well as The Cook and The Chef, Poh's Kitchen and the Beatles 50th anniversary tour documentary among others.

A spokesman for Mr Pyne told AAP there was absolutely no reason for Sydney-based ABC management to reduce services in Adelaide.

"It isn't possible that production and administration in Ultimo could be less expensive than in Adelaide," he said.

"If the ABC confirms the speculation on Media Watch it will be a clear act of political vandalism by the ABC in Sydney."

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the ABC budget is going to be cut by about five per cent over five years.

Media Watch reported on Monday night that 400-500 jobs will go at the broadcaster by the end of the year.

It said state versions of 7.30 faced the axe, along with a scaling back of Lateline and closures of ABC bureaus in Bangkok, New Delhi, Tokyo and New Zealand.

Mr Pyne's change.org petition had attracted more than 70 supporters at the time of writing.

Social media users immediately expressed disbelief at Mr Pyne's online petition, with many asking if it was a joke.

"Seriously, Chris? You're a cabinet minister. You don't need petitions," one user wrote.

Another suggested Mr Pyne has a conversation with Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Is this a joke? “@cpyne: The ABC must not close its production house in Adelaide. Sign my petition: http://t.co/k4h3x299U6” — Ms Leila (@MsLeila) November 18, 2014

Um, maybe have a chat to Malcom "@cpyne: The ABC must not close its production house in Adelaide. Sign my petition: http://t.co/H4OmezYUTT" — Anika (@spokenli) November 18, 2014

.@cpyne Doesn't any decision abt ABC resources start with your government/ministerial colleague(s)? — Sandi Logan (@SandiHLogan) November 18, 2014