Lateline will remain on air next year, ABC managing director Mark Scott has said privately, despite speculation the current affairs program would be axed.

Tony Jones: The Lateline co-host plays a key role in setting the political agenda.

The program may have its format refreshed, or even be shifted to ABC News 24, but sources said Mr Scott was committed to retaining a late-night news program including long-form political interviews and investigations.

Mr Scott has said in private conversations over recent days that the show will remain on air. Sources said the likelihood of the program being axed had been exaggerated in much of the public commentary on the program.