BIZ BUZZ: Thank you, Joey
It has been years now since ABS-CBN Corp.’s request to renew its free TV franchise was turned down by the previous administration back in 2020, resulting in the retrenchment of thousands of employees.
This forced the media giant to leverage digital platforms to stay afloat, even teaming up with former rival GMA Network Inc. and other broadcasting companies to deliver their content to the mass audience.
Digital has become ABS-CBN’s new normal, but Rep. Joey Salceda wants to bring back the Kapamilya network’s free TV franchise through a bill he recently submitted, a move welcomed by the Lopez-led company.
“While we are not aware of [Salceda’s] filing of a bill to grant a broadcast franchise to ABS-CBN today, we are deeply grateful for his support and belief in ABS-CBN’s contributions and mission to serve the Filipino public,” ABS-CBN said.
It also expressed gratitude to other lawmakers who had filed similar bills, namely Reps. Gabriel Borado Jr., Arlene Brosas, France Castro, Raoul Manuel, Johnny Pimentel and Rufus Rodriguez.
But last year, ABS-CBN said it had no plans of reapplying for a broadcast franchise, especially given its digital pivot.
Will this new bill change ABS-CBN’s plans? Let’s see!
