On May 5, 2020, at exactly 7:52 PM, history was made when ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ largest television network, signed off from free-to-air broadcast following a cease and desist order from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). This moment was not only a significant event in the Philippine entertainment industry, but it also sparked debates on press freedom, government influence, and the future of media in the country.
The Reason Behind the Shutdown
ABS-CBN’s 25-year legislative franchise expired on May 4, 2020. The next day, May 5, the NTC issued a cease and desist order, citing the expiration of the network's franchise. Despite pending bills in Congress to renew it, ABS-CBN was instructed to immediately stop its TV and radio broadcasting operations nationwide.
The shutdown was unprecedented. For decades, ABS-CBN had been a household name, providing news, entertainment, and public service programs to millions of Filipinos across the archipelago.
The Final Moments on Air
At exactly 7:52 PM on May 5, ABS-CBN’s Channel 2 ended its broadcast with a poignant news report delivered by TV Patrol anchors. The final moments featured the Philippine national anthem, a statement from the network, and a black screen that marked the end of an era.
Impact on the Industry and the Public
The shutdown caused a massive ripple effect:
11,000 employees were affected, with many eventually losing their jobs.
Viewers, especially in far-flung areas with limited access to digital or cable TV, lost a major source of information and entertainment.
Rival networks had to fill the content void, but none had ABS-CBN's nationwide reach.
The event drew condemnation from press freedom advocates locally and globally, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.
The Franchise Renewal Controversy
Although franchise renewal bills had been filed as early as 2016, they languished in Congress. Many believed the delay was politically motivated, especially after President Rodrigo Duterte publicly criticized the network multiple times due to alleged unfair election ad practices.
In July 2020, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises denied the network's application for a new franchise, effectively keeping it off the air for good—at least on free TV.
ABS-CBN After the Shutdown
Despite losing its traditional platforms, ABS-CBN pivoted to digital:
Launched Kapamilya Online Live on Facebook and YouTube
Partnered with other networks such as TV5 and A2Z for content airing
Expanded their streaming platforms and digital initiatives, keeping their brand alive
Conclusion
The ABS-CBN Shutdown was more than just a business closure—it was a moment that questioned the state of press freedom in the Philippines. Even today, it remains a stark reminder of how fragile media institutions can be under political pressure.
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