ABC staff have been warned to prepare for painful budget cuts, job losses and the "tragedy" of the government scrapping the Australia Network international broadcasting service.

In an email to ABC employees, ABC board member and veteran journalist Matt Peacock argues even a small reduction to ABC funding will threaten jobs and lead to cutbacks in regional areas. He also says the ABC is being targeted by the Murdoch press, which he claims has a commercial agenda to limit the public broadcaster's reach.

In an email to staff, ABC board member and veteran journalist Matt Peacock warns colleagues "it looks like a difficult road ahead". Credit:Peter Braig

"It looks like a difficult road ahead," Mr Peacock writes in the email, which warns of a "serious threat to jobs and our continued growth".

"These are tense times at the national public broadcaster, with sustained attacks by the Murdoch media, politicians and others," he writes. "Worse may be to come."