Attributing the decline to the absence of political ads and the negative impact of global affairs.
On Monday, May 18, media giant ABS-CBN Corporation published its statement on its financial perfomance for the first quarter of 2026.
Between the months of January to March, the network noted that its core Content Production and Distribution business generated PHP2.76 billion in revenue, which is 13% lower than the same period last year.
The company noted that this was driven mainly by a lower advertising revenue during this period, compared to January to March 2025 when the election-related advertising were present.
Additionally, it is also “in line with the overall decline in the industry’s advertising expenditure versus the same period last year,” ABS-CBN furthered.
The global developments, which included the volatile situation in the Middle East, this year have also had a negative impact on consumer sentiment and the domestic economy, they stressed.
Moreover, “The absence of movies and major events during the 1st quarter of 2026 also resulted in weaker overall revenue performance versus last year.”
During the first quarter of 2025, BINI’s sold-out concert at the Philippine Arena and the strong performance of the movie My Love Will Make You Disappear of Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino helped buoy financial figures.
Meanwhile, during these months, operating expenses decreased 5% to PHP160 million only, which the company expects to remain under control.
There have also been cuts to general and administrative expenses and employee costs, which contributed PHP136 million of the total reduction in expenses.
At the group level, including its Cable TV and Broadband segment, the consolidated revenue totaled PHP3.33 billion—21% below same period last year, with that segment accounting for most of the drop.
As for the consolidated operating expenses, it improved by 12% (or PHP568 million) to PHP4.06 billion, with the group’s consolidated net loss for the quarter standing at PHP813 million.
Moving forward ABS-CBN said it is expecting its revenues in the remaining months of the year to improve significantly, banking on the upcoming primetime comeback of Coco Martin with Julia Montes in Sigabo on free and cable TV.
In theaters and live experiences, the company will be releasing Star Cinema’s first movie of 2026, Tayo Sa Wakas with Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, and staging the Signals World Tour of the Nation’s Girl Group BINI, who are fresh from their successful stint at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April.