The owner of the local CNN franchise has announced the fate of the station.
On Monday, January 29, CNN Philippines owner Nine Media Corporation (NMC) issued its official statement regarding the news of the network’s impending shutdown.
It reads: “It is with deep regret that the management of Nine Media Corporation (NMC) announces the discontinuation of its news production and operations on all media platforms, branded as CNN Philippines, effective January 31, 2024.”
The company explained that the decision to end the operations of the Filipino news network was due to “significant financial losses sustained over the past years, despite rigorous efforts to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving and challenging media landscape.”
“We are aware of the impact of this closure on our valued employees and talents, we assure all affected staff will be provided with severance packages,” the company noted.
They also gave thanks to the entire newsroom “for their unwavering commitment over the years that has elevated CNNPH as a trusted source of news and information in the Philippines.”
Nine Media also expressed their “profound gratitude” to their partner, CNN Worldwide/Turner Broadcasting Corporation “for their support and understanding.”
NMC also said their loyal viewers have given them purpose, and for that, they “are honored to have served you.”
To end, “we [at Nine Media] would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to our employees, partners, and stakeholders. Thank you for the trust.”
On TV and social media, CNN Philippines aired an advisory with the caption: “CNN Philippines will discontinue operations on all media platforms effective Wednesday, January 31, 2024.”
“A trusted source of news and information, CNN Philippines is accessible on free-to-air TV, cable, and digital platforms.”
They also echoed their earlier statement of gratitude to their staff, partners, and viewers for the past nine years.
Last day
On Monday, the channel’s morning show ‘New Day’ was the last-ever CNN Philippines program to go on-air.
Towards the end of its last edition, hosts and anchors Christine Jacob, Ria Trillo, Paolo Abrera, and Jamie Herrell gave thanks to their viewers.
Abrera parted with this message: “If you look up and find cloudy skies, well rest assured, the sun will rise again bringing fresh beginnings for everyone. Bringing a New Day.”
They also said thank you to viewers for tuning in to CNN Philippines.
Meanwhile, right after the general assembly at 10:00 am, which sealed the fate of the news channel, journalists of CNN Philippines went on social media to bid farewell to their home network, colleagues, and loyal viewers.
Senior news correspondent Pia Hontiveros said it was their honor to have served viewers.
Reporter Tristan Nodalo, meanwhile, shared snaps from inside the newsroom and studios on its last day.
As seen in this video from reporter AC Nicholls, the entire news team posed for a group photo one last time while shouting “CNN Philippines” in unison.
Solidarity from other networks
Sympathies also poured in for the whole CNN Philippines news team after today’s official announcement was made by Nine Media owners.
ABS-CBN’s chief of reporters Jeff Canoy took to X to share his thoughts.
“Another huge loss for PH journalism and our democratic space. Mahigpit na yakap sa lahat. Sa mga CNN reporters, thanks for being in the trenches with us and helping us keep watch.”
ANC and Teleradyo Serbisyo anchor Karmina Constantino also stood in solidarity with the CNN Philippines staffers.
Atom Araullo of GMA Integrated News also gave virtual hugs to CNNPH people.
One News and TV5’s Gretchen Ho described the closure as a “huge, tough loss for the whole industry.” She also sent her prayers and salute to CNNPH staff for “the quality delivered all these years.”
The fifth CNN in Asia
CNN Philippines debuted on-air as the fifth localized version of global news brand CNN on March 16, 2015, more than five months after it was first confirmed on October 14, 2014.
It boasted a mixed line-up of shows, which consisted of local productions and those acquired from CNN International, which also enabled CNNPH to broadcast major breaking news stories from around the world as they happened.
Our local CNN also became home to some of the country’s most-respected journalists, namely Pia Hontiveros, Rico Hizon, Pinky Webb, Ruth Cabal, among many others who have come and went on the channel.
Although, the channel has gained a steady following and had been one of most trusted organizations in the Philippines, it did not translate to the financial well-being of the corporation behind it.
As per the financial statements Nine Media filed before the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC), it ended 2022 at a loss of more than Php 239 million, despite that period being an election year and NMC posting a revenue of Php 407.3 million.
Chiefly because its operational costs, which include salaries, production costs, and the license fee to use the CNN name, and the RPN airtime fee, cumulatively ballooned to nearly Php 515 million that year.
What happens next
As the official switch-off looms for CNN Philippines on Wednesday, owner Nine Media’s parent firm JRLT-JHI Corporation said that they will concentrate in building their other media cimoan, Aliw Broadcasting Corporation.
Aliw owns DWIZ on 882 kHz on AM, 97.9 Home Radio on the FM band, and ALIW Channel 23 on digital terrestrial television.
Meanwhile, RPN-9, where CNN Philippines has aired over the past nine years, is said to be reverting to its original name after undergoing seven rebrands in the past 15 years.
RPN is also said to move forward by continuing the broadcasts of TV5’s noontime show ‘Eat Bulaga’ and the weekend matches of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
CNN Philippines will officially sign off from all media platforms on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.