TeleRadyo is believed to have been added to A2Z’s digital TV frequency today, April 29, 2022.
On June 30, 2020, the NTC issued an alias cease-and-desist order vs. ABS-CBN Corporation’s blocktime deal with AMCARA, its long-time partner for channel 23, and later DTT channel 43 when ABS fully acquired Studio 23. Because of the order, Kapamilya viewers lost access to channels like Yey, Jeepney TV, Asianovela Channel, Knowledge Channel, CineMo!, and TeleRadyo on digital free TV.
In October 2020, ABS-CBN started anew as it signed a blocktime deal with ZOE Broadcasting Network, creating A2Z on channel 11. Since then, majority of the programs created by ABS-CBN and aired on Kapamilya Channel were shown on A2Z, on top of the original programming slate by ZOE’s Light TV.
Last year, A2Z began expanding beyond Mega Manila as PRTV Tacloban became an affiliate station of the channel, making the channel seen for the first time in Eastern Visayas. A2Z became more aggressive later on as it started broadcasts in Western and Central Visayas, as well as Northern, and Southern Mindanao via digital TV. Soon, the “alphabet” channel is expected to become available in several areas in Luzon and Mindanao as it inches its way to the near completion of its digital expansion.
As for A2Z’s DTT, today, it launched a brand new subchannel. It is no other than the returning TeleRadyo of ABS-CBN News. While the channel slot is basically still static, with the content only being the colored bars, it signifies a strengthened news offering from A2Z — which welcomed TV Patrol to its lineup just last January. As a side note, once the TeleRadyo slot becomes operational, it would be in competition with One PH of TV5/Cignal, CNN Philippines, among other players in the FTA news business.
However, it should be noted that neither ABS-CBN, nor ZOE has commented and confirmed the news just yet.
Now it begs the question: what does the future hold for the other slots on A2Z’s DTT frequency as (assuming at this moment that) it has already given one for the return of TeleRadyo on free-to-air TV.
Possible members of the ‘no-go’ squad
First off, let’s start by deducting some possible options, because of, well, obvious reasons.
ABS-CBN kids channel Yey, its English-language movie channel Movie Central, and Asian drama and movie channel Asianovela Channel are the three of ABS-CBN’s former digital offerings with the most bleak future and are not possible candidates for a DTT slot. For one, Yey has already returned to air, albeit as a children’s programming block on A2Z, Jeepney TV, and Kapamilya Channel. Meanwhile, Asianovela and Movie Central’s lineup have already been dispersed to the remaining Kapamilya channels, making the chance of revival for both on DTT low.
Still, a plot twist might happen, leading to the free TV return of these beloved channels by Kapamilya viewers. But as of now, their return is still far from sight.
Channels with the best chance in getting a comeback
Now, it’s time to discuss the channels that can have the best hopes of returning to free TV someday via A2Z’s frequency.
The leading candidate of them all is CineMo!, the all-day movie channel of ABS-CBN. Prior to its cessation of FTA broadcasts in June 2020, CineMo! became the short-lived #3 station in Mega Manila after ABS-CBN shut down on May 5. Because of that, CM also became the interim home of TV Patrol until July 2020. If CineMo does ever return to free TV, movies on Asianovela Channel and Movie Central can be added to CM to save the other channel spaces for other programming genres. Finally, a returning CineMo! might also bring with it a rivalry with GMA’s I Heart Movies.
Next, it’s Jeepney TV, a variety channel that airs a mix of archived, simulcast, and now, children’s programming. Like CineMo, Jeepney TV is also a good candidate for a DTT slot. Apart from being home to well-loved old shows, JTV is also housing programs formerly seen on Asianovela Channels (the dramas) and Yey, proving it is flexible enough to air much diversed programs from across ABS-CBN’s portfolio. A Jeepney TV on DTT scenario might also open a competition (anew) with GMA’s Heart of Asia channel and even GTV.
Finally for ABS-CBN channels, Myx is a possible contender for a DTT slot. The channel, which pivoted from music to a much diversified younger-skewing programming last year, provides nostalgia to viewers from its Studio 23 days to now. With Myx no longer offering as much music as it used to, a DTT slot for the sake of its legion of fans from way back can also be a way to reintroduce the channel to them, as well as for the brand to welcome a new generation of viewers. Perhaps, what’s going to be interesting should Myx come back to DTT is that it will ignite a competition with not just Hallypop, but also to a degree, GTV.
Of course, one DTT slot should also be given to ZOE’s Light TV. It is understood that channel 20 is the permanent assigned frequency to ZOE, meaning Light’s current assignment at channel 33 may soon end. Thus, Light TV may also be added soon on A2Z’s DTT frequency.
Moving forward
A2Z (presumably, as of the moment) welcoming TeleRadyo into its fold is a sign that it is opening the gates for more content (and perhaps, channels) from ABS-CBN. Moreover, with ABS not applying for any new franchise (yet), this move from ZOE is a clear indication that a return for ABS-CBN on its own frequency is still far from sight.
While the confirmation from both camps is still pending, TeleRadyo continues to be seen on pay TV and online.