Filipino broadcaster ABS-CBN continues to carve out alternative distribution channels for its content following the closure, last year, of its terrestrial broadcast network by the country’s National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
A renewal of the network’s broadcast franchise was refused by the NTC in February, 2020, resulting in cessation of terrestrial broadcasts in May. Since then, ABS-CBN has adapted its programming to other platforms, including cable, satellite and online platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.
October saw ABS-CBN secure an agreement with Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc, the broadcast media arm of the Jesus Is Lord Church, to distribute some of its content via Zoe’s newly rebranded A2Z channel 11.
Most recently, the network has announced that some of its content will be simulcast on free-to-air network TV5, owned by MediaQuest Holdings along with main content provider Cignal TV. Content will incude “ASAP Natin ‘To”, the Philippines’ longest running musical variety show, and “FPJ: Da King”, a movie block showcasing the films of the “King of Philippine Movies” Fernando Poe Jr.
“This collaboration between CIGNAL, TV5, Brightlight Productions, and ABS-CBN marks the start of greater cooperation among our various industry players and begins a new era of partnership,” said Robert P. Galang, president and CEO of Cignal and TV5, “The airing of ASAP and FPJ’s movies on TV5 showcases the desires of TV5 and ABS-CBN to serve our viewers in the best way possible.”
“We are pleased to welcome the ASAP family and the films of the one and only king of Philippine movies to Cignal and TV5. The top-rated content, combined with Cignal and TV5’s strengths in technology, direct-to-consumer distribution, and mobile and broadband reach, will usher in a new viewing experience for fans and subscribers alike,” Galang added.
“The future of entertainment media is rapidly converging around a dynamic mix of traditional and digital platforms, with Cignal and TV5 launching new content and synergies that will disrupt conventional broadcast methods. We are committed to continuously explore more initiatives to provide the best of both worlds to all our stakeholders,” he said.