That event marked a pivotal moment for the company and greater landscape of Philippine media.
On Tuesday, May 5, media giant ABS-CBN Corporation commemorated one of, if not the, most-challenging times in its seven-decade-long existence.
This, as it is already six years to the day of the terrestrial broadcast network shutdown in 2020, which happened following the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) issuance of a cease-and-desist order.
It caused the company to close down its flagship channel 2, S+A, DZMM Radyo Patrol, and MOR 101.9, and its wide network of regional stations nationwide on May 5, 2020.
That event stemmed from the non-renewal of its 25-year franchise by Congress prior to its expiry. Eventually, the same body would not approve the renewal bid by July 2020.
In its statement, the corporation said: “Today marks the sixth year of ABS-CBN’s journey from a broadcast network to a global storytelling company following its broadcast shutdown in 2020.“
They also shared the strides that they achieved in the years after that painful chapter for them.
“Since then, we have made significant progress strategically and financially, as we transform into a content company that continues to tell Filipino stories that bring joy, inspiration, and entertainment as well as deliver credible, relevant, and accurate news to our audiences,” they continued.
Following the non-renewal of its franchise, ABS-CBN pivoted to being a content provider for other stations, including its erstwhile rivals such as TV5, GMA, Zoe Broadcasting Network (A2Z), AMBS (ALLTV), and also streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Viu, and more.
The ABS-CBN management then expressed their heartfelt thanks to its partners, advertisers, artists, journalists, workers, and most especially, audiences for “their trust and belief, and for standing with us through this journey.”
“The progress we have achieved would not have been possible without their support,” the company’s leadership underscored.
The statement furthered, “While we no longer operate as a free-to-air broadcast network, our commitment to create meaningful content and be in the service of the Filipino people and our audiences remains firm.”
“Your unwavering support enables us to continue what we do. Maraming salamat, Kapamilya,” it concluded.