ABC Managing Director David Anderson has confirmed the national broadcaster signed deals with Google and Facebook under the new News Media bargaining code.

In an opening statement to the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee on Wednesday, 26^th May, David said the deal will help bolster coverage across Australia, particularly in regional areas.

"Tonight I am pleased to announce that the ABC has signed letters of intent with both Google and Facebook. When these commercial deals are concluded, they will enable the ABC to make new and significant investments in regional services," he said.

"These investments will provide a huge boost to the regions at a time when many areas of regional and rural Australia have experienced a withdrawal of media services."

Google has already struck deals with News Corp Australia, Nine Entertainment Co, Seven West Media, Guardian Australia and Australian Community Media.

David stressed that Australians can rely on the ABC for impact, trust and value; the ABC reaches 80 per cent of Australians on a monthly basis.

"The ABC's commitment to serving regional Australia and connecting all parts of the nation is unmatched by any other media organisation."