After a year, it’s back.
On June 30, 2020, an alias cease-and-desist order was issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) versus ABS-CBN. That time, it was regarding the broadcast of its digital channels using AMCARA Broadcasting’s frequency, most notably channel 43 in Metro Manila. Because of the said order, CineMo!, Jeepney TV, and Knowledge Channel moved back to pay TV. However, Asianovela Channel and Yey! became the two casualties and “permanently” shutdown. Apparently, due to licensing rights for most programs on both channels only covering free-to- air broadcast.
But on October 23, 2021, Yey! surprised its loyal base when it proclaimed through its official Facebook page that the forthcoming 6th of November is Yey! Day. Also seen in the said teaser are some characters like Peppa Pig, among others.
Up to now, there are no further comments from the page or any of ABS-CBN’s PR department with regards to that. Nonetheless, several followers were quick to speculate that this has to do with Yey’s broadcast comeback. Some of which has even connected it to the recent free TV return of Knowledge Channel via BEAM TV.
And for this Futurecast feature, we’ll try to dissect the possibilities regarding Yey’s announcement.
Yey as a full-fledged digital TV sub-channel
First up, like the hypothesis of many of the channel’s fanbase, Yey might return as a digital TV sub-channel. For this one, there are two frontrunners as the anchor broadcaster: ZOE and BEAM. Considering ABS-CBN’s ties with both companies, it wouldn’t come as a huge surprise should one of them become the new home for Yey.
For ZOE, they have much space on their digital TV spectrum, with A2Z not having any sister channels on UHF 20 yet. With Yey’s programming skewing towards a safe demographic, it should pose no problem for the Christian boroadcster.
Meanwhile, for BEAM TV, it could become the second ABS-owned channel on its bandwidth, alongside Knowledge Channel. But as far as UHF 50 goes, there is not much space left, especially with BEAM already operating 5 sub-channels, adding Yey would make it full-packed. DTT restrictions only accommodate six programs, plus a dedicated One Seg channel. Therefore, a Yey on BEAM TV scenario could spell the end for any hopes for Kapamilya Channel on free TV, at least for BEAM.
Although less-conventional, ABS might seek to partner with Solar Entertainment, making use of its vacant slots. Currently, Solar only has ETC, Shop TV, Solar Learning, and DepEd ALS channel. On top of that, Solar also leases Byers Communications’ UHF 30.
Yey as a block on A2Z or KapCha (or both)
The second, and perhaps the more overtly, possible idea is a revival of the Yey brand on existing ABS-CBN platforms. On A2Z, it could be poised to replaced the ‘KidZ’ block of the channel. Over at Kapamilya Channel, it can then takeover from ‘Just Love Kids.’
Also, as Yey’s announcement made rounds yesterday, A2Z also teased the burning-off of the remaining episodes of Cardcaptor Sakura Clear Card. The anime series will hold another 2-hour marathon broadcast next Saturday, with first already held yesterday. Based on the timeline, once the show finishes, Yey could then takeover the timeslot as part of its block on November 6, which also falls on a Saturday.
Apart from weekends on A2Z, Yey can possibly be seen every weekday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:45pm, replacing the KidZ Toontime block. Should it need a schedule every morning, it could replace Knowledge Channel’s School at Home block on channel 11, given that KCh already has a channel of its own.
Meanwhile, Saturday and Sunday mornings for Kapamilya Channel are currently filled with reruns of old Educational TV shows, with a selected number of animated programs previously aired on Yey. Thus, it can make Yey’s comeback via KapCha plausible as well.
Since the ‘possibility meter’ for both channels are high, Yey-branded blocks on KapCha and A2Z can be realized on November 6.
As a pay TV channel (as well?)
While it was briefly mentioned earlier that Yey may have perhaps been closed down last year due to licensing issues, it should also be remembered that it was also available during its first run on cable, specifically on Sky Channel 1. Apart from that, some of Yey’s former shows like The Oddbods Show were screened on KapCha, signifying that there could be flexibilities with the supplier of such programs.
But also, should Yey be revived as a DTT channel, there is a high chance of it being carried by Sky Cable as well — like how it was pre-shutdown. So, after all, Yey might be possibly enjoyed by those subscribed to pay TV.
Conclusion
Yey’s imminent return to our screens is a great service to thousands, if not millions of kids, who were cut off from the programs of the channel due to last year’s shutdown. As the pandemic continues, having a recognized brand like Yey on TV again is good news. The reason for that is as plain as having kids stay and watch TV with children-themed programs would help them get by amidst the realities of today’s world.
As to where it would be, that’s something that we need to look forward to. For now, it’s good to know that Yey is back.