Twenty journalists in state and territory newsrooms could lose their jobs under changes announced by ABC News.

The positions will be made redundant under a plan to deliver more news on digital platforms.

ABC News director Gaven Morris said the changes are designed to respond to audience demand.

“As Australia’s major public broadcaster, the ABC is continuing to provide news on traditional platforms at the same time as developing our digital presence to be as accessible as possible for all Australians,” he said.

“Overall, it is anticipated around 20 positions would become redundant, and we know this would be painful.

“Against this, new senior editorial roles would be introduced to add to the expertise and skills in the newsroom.”

Mr Morris said he anticipates the newsrooms will end up with the same number of positions once the changes are fully implemented.

In an email to staff, Mr Morris said: “This is not a cost-cutting proposal. Any savings would be reinvested in newsgathering and content.”

This latest overhaul follows other restructures in ABC News, including the axing of Lateline in October last year and the creation of new specialist and investigative reporting teams.

ABC News was also affected by a broader restructure announced by managing director Michelle Guthrie in March 2017, which involved the redundancy of up to 200 staff to fund new programs and regional positions.

In a statement, the ABC said while broadcast audiences continue to “soften”, the smartphone audience has jumped by almost 30 per cent in the past two years.

Staff are being informed of the changes today, and the ABC has said it would begin consultation with media unions.

-ABC