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ABS-CBN Corporation, one of the largest media conglomerates in the Philippines, faced a major setback in 2020 when its congressional franchise to operate its television and radio stations expired and was denied renewal by the House of Representatives. The franchise renewal controversy was fueled by several issues, such as alleged violations of the constitution, labor and tax laws, and broadcast standards, as well as political interference and bias. President Rodrigo Duterte, who had repeatedly expressed his disdain for the network, called its franchise renewal bid a “piece of garbage” and claimed that it was already sold to a businessman¹.

The denial of the franchise renewal resulted in the shutdown of ABS-CBN’s 42 television stations, 10 digital broadcast channels, 18 FM stations, and 5 AM stations nationwide. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease and desist order on May 5, 2020, effectively silencing the network’s broadcast operations. The NTC also issued two alias cease and desist orders on ABS-CBN TV Plus and Sky Direct, the network’s digital TV and satellite TV services, on June 30, 2020. The frequencies assigned to ABS-CBN were recalled by the NTC on September 10, 2020¹.

The shutdown of ABS-CBN’s radio stations affected millions of listeners who relied on them for news, information, entertainment, and public service. According to a survey conducted by Kantar Media in 2019, 62 percent of the respondents in the Philippines stated accessing media through radio or audio for the past 12 months². Radio is also the second most used and most trusted source of political information in the country. In 2013, roughly two-thirds of the country’s population listened to radio, with 41.4 percent listening at least once a week, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority³. Radio is also the most pervasive medium, reaching even the remotest areas of the country.

ABS-CBN’s radio stations were among the most popular and influential in the country. Its AM radio network, Radyo Patrol, consisted of 16 stations that delivered news, public affairs, public service, soap opera and talk shows. Its flagship station, DZMM 630, had a selected audience share of 24.9 percent in 2016, making it the top-rated AM station in Metro Manila⁴. Its FM radio network, MOR Philippines, consisted of 17 stations that played mostly music and entertainment programs. Its flagship station, MOR 101.9 For Life!, had a selected audience share of 34.1 percent in 2016, making it the top-rated FM station in Metro Manila⁴.

Despite the loss of its broadcast franchise, ABS-CBN did not give up on its mission to serve the Filipino people through various platforms. It resumed broadcasting through pay-TV Kapamilya Channel on June 13, 2020, and free-to-air A2Z (via ZOE TV) on October 10, 2020. It also partnered with former rival TV5 to simulcast some of its programs on January 24, 2021. It also continued to produce content for its online platforms such as iWantTFC (streaming service), Kapamilya Online Live (YouTube and Facebook), Kumu (social media app), Teleradyo (online radio), and ABS-CBN News (website).

As for its radio stations, ABS-CBN has not yet announced any plans to revive them or apply for a new franchise. However, some of its former radio personalities have found new homes in other radio networks or online platforms. For instance, some of the former Radyo Patrol anchors have joined Radyo Pilipinas (government-owned), Radyo Veritas (Catholic-owned), or Radyo Katipunan (Jesuit-owned). Some of the former MOR DJs have joined Barangay LS (GMA-owned), Wish FM (BMPI-owned), or Energy FM (Ultrasonic-owned). Some have also ventured into podcasting or vlogging to reach their loyal listeners.

The current state of ABS-CBN’s radio stations reflects the challenges and opportunities that the media industry faces in the changing media landscape and evolving radio listening habits. On one hand, radio faces competition from other forms of media such as television, internet, social media, streaming services, podcasts, and music apps that offer more choices and convenience to consumers. On the other hand, radio still has an edge over other media in terms of accessibility, affordability, reliability, and intimacy that can appeal to a wide and diverse audience.

The future of ABS-CBN’s radio stations remains uncertain at this point. However, one thing is clear: radio is not dead yet. It is still alive and kicking in the hearts and minds of millions of Filipinos who tune in every day for their dose of news, information, entertainment, and public service. Radio is still a vital part of the Filipino culture and identity. Radio is still for life.

Source:
(1) ABS-CBN franchise renewal controversy – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABS-CBN_franchise_renewal_controversy.
(2) TIMELINE: ABS-CBN franchise renewal | ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/23/20/timeline-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal.
(3) Duterte says ABS-CBN franchise renewal bid ‘piece of garbage’. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132769.
(4) ABS-CBN franchise renewal denied | The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/07/10/news/headlines/abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-denied/740078/.
(5) Radio in the Philippines. https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/music/radio-in-the-philippines-a2314-20190809-lfrm2.
(6) Radio Outlets Philippines | Media Ownership Monitor. https://philippines.mom-rsf.org/en/media/radio/.
(7) Philippines – Media Landscapes. https://www.medialandscapes.org/country/philippines/media/radio.
(8) Philippines: consumer radio usage | Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1096952/philippines-consumer-radio-usage-frequency/.
(9) List of ABS-CBN Corporation channels and stations – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ABS-CBN_Corporation_channels_and_stations.
(10) 101.9 MHz FM, Manila, Philippines – Online Radio Box. https://onlineradiobox.com/ph/dwrr/.
(11) List of ABS-CBN Corporation stations and channels. https://philippinetelevision.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_ABS-CBN_Corporation_stations_and_channels.
(12) List of ABS-CBN Corporation channels and stations. https://philippinetelevision.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_ABS-CBN_Corporation_channels_and_stations.