Largest TV Network Shutdown

Philippines – In the Philippines, amidst the COVID-19 crisis, the government shutdown the largest and leading TV network in their country. The reason is the TV network has expired its franchise. That TV network is the ABS-CBN channel 2.

ABS-CBN and the Congress has been caught in surprise when the country’s National Telecommunication Commission or NTC has issue a “cease and desist order” to stop ABS-CBN from broadcasting after the day its franchise has expired. They were caught in surprise because the National Telecommunication Commission or NTC has promised under oath that they will give a “provisional authority” to ABS-CBN eventhough its franchise has expired while the Congress dealing the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.

The Congress want to put in contempt the National Telecommunication Commission or NTC for not following the order of Congress to give ABS-CBN a “provisional authority” and for not fulfilling its promise, which it promises under oath, to give ABS-CBN a “provisional authority”.

The ABS-CBN has nothing to do but to comply to the “cease and desist order” of the National Telecommunication Commission or NTC eventhough it hurts for them to sign off as they express minutes before they sign off.

ABS-CBN franchise has expired last May 4,2020 and have received a “cease and desist order” on May 5,2020 a day after its franchise has expired.

The TV network seek another 25 years franchise renewal before its current franchise will expire on May 4,2020 but its franchise renewal has gotten into conflict just like the complain of FICTAP or Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunication Association of the Philippines and the ire of Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte against the TV network for not airing his paid political ads during the campaign for the 2016 Philippine Presidential Election which he promise he will block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.

The TV network have 10 days to appeal.

ABS-CBN (image from Politiko website)