ABS-CBN finds difficult getting a new, 25-year congressional franchise Or End Broadcast At 2020
ABS-CBN finds itself in a difficult position when it fails to renew its broadcasting franchise in the 16th Congress which ended on June 6, 2016.
According to Inquirer.net, “Philippines’ largest radio-TV network is now looking down a more difficult road to getting a new, 25-year congressional franchise from the 17th Congress, especially in the face of its spat with President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.”
“Two bills were introduced in the 16th Congress for the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise granted in March 1995: one by Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao, filed in September 2014, and another by Baguio Rep. Nicasio M. Aliping Jr., filed in December of the same year.” the report said.
“The bills would renew ABS-CBN’s right to operate TV and radio broadcasting stations in the Philippines through microwave, satellite or whatever means, including the use of new technologies in television and radio systems.” the report said.
The Inquirer contacted several ABS-CBN executives for comment, but the Lopez-owned broadcast network declined to comment for now.
ABS-CBN’s 25-year franchise expires on March 30, 2020.
The TV network is known to be in bad terms with the incoming President Rodrigo Duterte for allowing bad campaigns against him to air days before the May 9 polls. Duterte is now forming a “supermajority” in both senate and congress to pursue his programs, and Duterte can practically do whatever he wants.
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