ABC boss Mark Scott is set for a grilling from senators on how the national broadcaster plans to operate with $254 million less in its coffers.

Mr Scott will make an opening statement at a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Thursday night, a day after the government confirmed the budget cut.

• ABC budget cuts ‘a political attack’

SBS managing director Michael Ebeid was expected at the hearing but is being replaced by his corporate affairs director Peter Khalil.

Mr Khalil can expect questions on the multicultural broadcaster’s $53 million funding loss and its plans to work around new rules that allow it to run more advertising.

Greens senators will grill the duo on how ABC and SBS have modelled the budget impacts across their organisations, and the slashing of programs and content.

They also want confirmation the broadcasters will be on a quarantine list and won’t be shut down if the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal is inked.