Villar’s Advanced Media Broadcasting System given greenlight to operate using ABS-CBN’s former frequencies

The old ‘Kapamilya’ frequencies have been reassigned.

In an article posted by Bilyonaryo, they have released a bombshell revelation about the future of the frequencies previously held by ABS-CBN Corporation. According to the documents that they have obtained, Advanced Media Broadcasting System — a company owned by business tycoon and former Senator Manny Villar.

Based on a National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) document, Advanced Media is given the greenlight to operate using the frequencies VHF 2 and DTT (UHF 16). Both were formerly held by ABS-CBN Corporation, which ceased free-to-air broadcasts on May 5, 2020 and had its franchise renewal bid denied by Congress.

Speaking of which, Advanced Media’s franchise extension was approved by the same body in 2019.

The abovementioned NTC order, signed January 6, 2022, gives Advanced Media the provisional authority to build a station and beam it across Metro Manila and Mega Manila (otherwise known as the NCR Plus area). The station is also to conduct a test broadcast on channel 2 using a 30kW transmitting power — which is expected to last (at the latest) until the madatory shut off of analog signal in 2023.

The Villar-owned TV station will be transmitting from the family’s mall chain Starmall branch in EDSA Shaw, Mandaluyong.

As for the former occupant of the said frequencies, ABS-CBN, they are still (to a degree) on free-to-air television after the May 2020 shutdown. Currently, ABS has a blocktime agreement with the Villanueva-owned Zoe Broadcasting Network, forming A2Z in October 2020. The A2Z channel is currently available on analog and digital in Mega Manila, and exclusively on digital in most areas in Western Visayas. Zoe had also forged an affiliation deal with PRTV Tacloban, also making it available in Eastern Visayas.

ABS-CBN has also collaborated with Cignal TV to air Kapamilya programs in the primetime and Sunday afternoon slots on Mediaquest’s TV5 network since January 2021.

UPDATE: The NTC has confirmed, through a press release, that it has given AMBS the provisional authority to operate using channels 2 and 16.