Stokes hits back at rebate claim

"In regard to the Abbott comments, I was disappointed that he chose that language," Mr Stokes said. "Obviously, he was wrong to choose that language."

He has also dismissed speculation that he discussed the licence fee issue with Communications Minister Stephen Conroy when the two met on the slopes of Beaver Creek in Colorado last month.

"We didn't talk about any industry issues we had a general discussion," he said. "It's really difficult to have an in-depth conversation while you're skiing. He's a [snow]boarder, which makes it even more difficult."

Controversy over TV licence fees erupted this month when the government announced it would provide the networks with fee rebates worth a total of about $250 million.

Mr Abbott described the rebates as bribery last week, but has since toned down his criticism and has declined to repeat the claim.

Mr Stokes, speaking at his announcement yesterday of a big restructuring of his business interests, said the rebate would bolster the company's balance sheet by $15 million next year.

Senator Conroy yesterday used Senate question time to defend the licence fee rebate, repeating that the commercial stations were under financial pressure and were relinquishing access to valuable broadcast spectrum as part of the shift to digital television.