ABC shows to face tougher guidelines

ABC programs ranging from chat shows to children's television will have to meet new standards of impartiality and balance.

ABC managing director Mark Scott will today announce new guidelines on avoiding bias for factual shows similar to those already in place for ABC news and current affairs, Fairfax newspapers report.

The changes will affect programs on the arts, education, entertainment, history, Aboriginal affairs, lifestyle, natural history, religion, science, health as well as shows for children and even comedy chat shows.

Mr Scott will also announce that a new ombudsman-style manager will deal with public complaints about the ABC.

"The changes to the ABC editorial policy will give greater emphasis to the need for impartiality to encouraging a range and diversity of opinion," an unnamed senior ABC executive told Fairfax.