ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation

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ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation (ABS-CBN)

Type	Public (PSE: ABS)
Founded	June 14, 1946
Founder(s)	James Lindenberg (of Bolinao Electronics Corporation)
Headquarters	Quezon City, Philippines
Key people	Eugenio Lopez III, Chairman and CEO Charo Santos-Concio, President and COO
Industry	Broadcast television and radio network, among others
Revenue	PHP22.3 billion (▲ 12% (YoY)(2008)[1]
Net income	PHP1.383 billion (▲ 9% (YoY)(2008)
Employees	7,000+ (as of 2008)
Website	www.abs-cbn.com

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation (PSE: ABS) (ABS-CBN: "Alto Broadcasting System-Chronicle Broadcasting Network") is a Philippine-based multi-media conglomerate. It is an integrated media and entertainment company in the Philippines with 42 subsidiaries and an asset base of more than PHP34 billion (US$707.09 million) as of March 2009.^[2] ABS-CBN is principally involved in television and radio broadcasting, as well as the production of television programming for domestic and international audiences and other related businesses.^[3][4] It was founded on June 13, 1946 (62), becoming Asia's first commercial television broadcaster in 1953. It is part of the Lopez Group of Companies. It also broadcasts content to the rest of the world through The Filipino Channel (TFC Direct), TFCko (video on demand) and TFCnow internet TV.

The network's main broadcast facilities, news headquarters, transmitter and satellite operations and studio complex are located at the ABS-CBN Broadcast Center at Sgt. Esguerra Ave., Mother Ignacia St., Barangay Laging Handa, Diliman, Quezon City. In Metro Manila, its terrestrial VHF station is Channel 2 (DWWX-TV) while its terrestrial UHF station is Studio 23 (DWAC-TV).

The company is slated to begin broadcasting digital television starting in January 2008,^[5][6] although it has been presumably delayed since there were no announcement during the entire month of January that the signal is now digitized. It is now expected to begin its digital broadcasting by 2009.^[7]

On March 3, 2008, Executive Vice-President Charo Santos-Concio had been promoted as the fifth president of ABS-CBN, taking over from interim president Eugenio Lopez III.^[8]

Contents 1 History 1.1 Beginnings 1.2 Merger 1.3 Martial Law era 1.4 Capture of Broadcast Plaza (MBS-4) 1.5 Growth 1.6 Expansion 1.7 The Kapamilya network 1.8 ABS-CBN 55 years 2 Programming 3 Branding of ABS-CBN 3.1 Sarimanok 3.2 The evolution of ABS-CBN logos 3.3 Slogans 4 Program production 4.1 ABS-CBN Broadcast Center 4.2 ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs 4.3 ABS-CBN Regional Network Group 4.4 Competition 4.5 Digital Television 4.5.1 SD to HD 4.5.2 EVS Technology 4.5.3 TBC Intergration 5 Controversies and scandals 5.1 Wowowee scandals and incidents 5.2 Nielsen bribery scandal 5.3 Writ of Amparo 6 Entities and ventures 6.1 List of subsidiaries 6.2 Affiliates and productions 6.3 Divisions 7 See also 8 References 9 External links 9.1 Related Cases 9.2 References 9.3 Official

[edit] History

[edit] Beginnings

The nucleus of what ABS-CBN would be began in 1946 with Bolinao Electronics Corporation (BEC). BEC was put up by James Lindenberg, the father of Philippine television^[9], an ex-GI and electronics engineer who went into radio equipment assembly and radio broadcasting. At that time, the giant Philippine network was Manila Broadcasting, with DZRH as the top station. In 1949, James Lindenberg shifted Bolinao to radio broadcasting with DZBC and masterminded the introduction of television to the country in 1953.

In the 1951, Lindenberg partnered with Antonio Quirino, brother of then President Elpidio Quirino , in order to try their hand at television broadcasting. In 1952, BEC was renamed as Alto Broadcasting System or ABS. "Alto" was a contraction of Quirino’s and his wife’s first names, Tony and Aleli. Though they had little money and resources, ABS was able to put up its TV tower by July 1953 and import 300 television sets. The initial test broadcasts began on September of the same year. The very first full-blown broadcast, however, was on October 23, 1953, of a party in Tony Quirino's home. The broadcasting channel was known as DZAQ-TV Channel 3.

[edit] Merger

In turn, on September 24, 1956, the Chronicle Broadcasting Network (CBN) was organized. The network was owned by Don Eugenio Lopez Sr. The following year, Don Eugenio acquired ABS from Quirino and Lindenberg. However, it was only on February 1, 1967 that the corporate name was changed to ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation.

In the late 1950s, Don Eugenio's son, Geny Lopez saw the potential of TV to reach and link Filipinos across the archipelago. Therefore, by 1961, the station extended its reach to the provinces through the ABS tower in Cebu. By the mid-1960s, the ABS network was leading the radio industry, with stations like DZXL and DZAQ Radyo patrol, which featured journalists like Orly Mercado, Joe Taruc, Bobby Guanzon, and Rey Langit. ABS also made breakthroughs in the TV industry by achieving the country's first color TV broadcast, first satellite feed, first use of videotape, among others. It featured top shows then, such as Buhay Artista, Your Evening with Pilita, Tawag ng Tanghalan, and Student Canteen, among others.

On December 18, 1968, ABS-CBN opens its new Broadcast Center on Bohol Avenue, Quezon City, where it stands till today. At the time, it was the most advance facility of its kind in Asia. The station again made breakthroughs by using live satellite transmissions from abroad, foremost of which was the first moon landing in 1969. The network enjoyed a big chunk of the ratings.

[edit] Martial Law era

The station suffered a setback, though, upon the declaration of Martial Law. On midnight of September 22, 1972, a day after the declaration of Martial Law, ABS-CBN and its affiliate stations were seized. Geny Lopez, the president of the network, was imprisoned and held without trial for five years until he and his cellmate Sergio Osmeña, III launched a daring jailbreak in 1977 and sought asylum in the United States. The network itself was taken over by Roberto Benedicto, a presidential crony, who used the Broadcasting Center at Bohol Avenue, then renamed as "Broadcast Plaza", as the home of MBS-4.

[edit] Capture of Broadcast Plaza (MBS-4)

At the height of the People Power Revolution, military reformists, believing that television would be a powerful tool to aid the revolution, attacked and took over the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center. On February 24, former ABS-CBN talents put the station back on the air and televised the drama of the unfolding uprising, thereby contributing to the strength of the revolt.

[edit] Growth

On February 28, 1986, after the Marcos regime was brought to its end by the revolution, Geny Lopez returned to the country after his self exile to the United States and started rebuilding what was left of the station. Recovery was difficult and resources were low. Hence, former ABS-CBN employee Freddie Garcia was brought in to rework the station's programming. By 1988, ABS-CBN had regained its foothold in Philippine TV ratings.

In 1987, ABS-CBN also beefed up their news programs with TV Patrol, anchored by current Vice-President Noli de Castro. Other reputable news programs followed, such as Magandang Gabi, Bayan and Hoy Gising! and top-rating talk shows like Mel & Jay and Teysi ng Tahanan. The entertainment programs of ABS-CBN were also beefed up with a mix of programs that aired previously on RPN-9 and IBC-13 (Eat Bulaga, Okay Ka Fairy Ko, The Sharon Cuneta Show, Coney Reyes on Camera) while producing homegrown shows through the years that made an impact on Filipino viewers (The Maricel Soriano Drama Special, Palibhasa Lalake, Home Along Da Riles, etc.)

In 1989, ABS-CBN shifted to satellite broadcast, enabling the entire country to watch the same programs simultaneously. Slowly, the station inched its way to financial recovery, which it achieved by 1990. It regularly garnered around 70% of the market.

Now, ABS-CBN has extended its foothold as a national network. According to their website, they reach 97% of all households in the country. Likewise, they provide content for Studio 23 on UHF and for the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), Hero, MYX, Knowledge Channel, Lifestyle Network, Cinema One, Balls, Velvet, and Maxxx on cable.

[edit] Expansion

Aside from its flagship terrestrial network ABS-CBN 2 Manila, ABS-CBN broadcasts to many predominantly Filipino people in the Middle East, United States, Europe, Australia and several other countries via The Filipino Channel or TFC. The network has also diversified into film (Star Cinema - ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.), music recording (Star Records), publishing (ABS-CBN Publishing), and interactive media (ABS-CBN Interactive). In August 2008 it inked a deal with Sorenson Pacific Broadcasting to broadcast news and other content from the network and its sister channels to its television and radio broadcasting properties in Guam and The CMNI. Former ABS-CBN president Eugenio Lopez III became chairman of the network since 1996.

The network has also introduced its second terrestrial channel, Studio 23 (UHF band) in 1996, as well as cable channels MYX (a music channel), ABS-CBN News Channel (a cable news channel), CinemaOne Global/Cinema One (a cable movie channel), the Lifestyle Network (home and lifestyle channel), Pinoy Central TV (regionally produced shows. This channel was replaced by Kapamilya Channel), Hero (the country's first Tagalog-dubbed anime channel, and ANIMAX's only known competitor in Southeast Asia), DZMM TeleRadyo (the country's first interactive TV on Radio) and Knowledge Channel (all educational channel). Recently in the first quarter of 2008 three additional cable channels namely Balls (Sports Channel), Velvet (women's Channel) and Maxxx (all men focus channel). The network's radio stations include DZMM 630 kHz (AM-Manila), DWRR 101.9 (FM-Manila), and My Only Radio regional FM stations.

ABS-CBN has established regional stations and news bureaus to handle operations in different areas throughout the Philippines. It also broadcasts to locations all over the world via The Filipino Channel, managed by ABS-CBN International. Shows are also available for live viewing and subscription via the Internet through ABS-CBN Interactive's TFCNow! service.

ABS-CBN affirms its social responsibility in its slogan, "In the Service of the Filipino", and through the work of the ABS-CBN Foundation. Through multimedia, the foundation has delivered E-TV (Educational Television) VCDs to hundreds of public schools in the country that benefitted students. The foundation is also the umbrella organization of such foundations such as the Knowledge Channel (KCh) Foundation, Bantay Bata (Children's Watch), Bantay Kalikasan (Environment Watch), and ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation (formerly, ABS-CBN Bayan MicroFinance). Geny Lopez died in 1999 during cancer.

[edit] The Kapamilya network

In 2003, during the television station's 50th anniversary, ABS-CBN launched its present slogan, "Kapamilya" (literally means "a member of the family"), which it believes reaffirms the network's commitment to quality programming that will foster the morals and values that are ostensibly upheld in many Filipino families.

Its international unit ABS-CBN Global Ltd. plans to undertake an initial public offering (IPO) the following year and might list on the Singapore Stock Exchange to help finance its expansion plans.^[10]

The network celebrated its golden anniversary in 2003. The network held its Kapamilya Homecoming, which gathered over 4,000 former employees and talents for a grand reunion at ABS-CBN’s compound in Bohol Avenue, Quezon City. The network also launched a promo called "Treasure Hunt", where the people were invited to bring their oldest television, radio sets, microphones, and posters. The network also celebrated its 16th year reign in the TV ratings, with 13 of their shows included in the Top 15 daily programs in TV. ABS-CBN also launched new shows such as the then phenomenal Meteor Garden etc. The company also did a nationwide caravan, showcasing the network's talents.

On October 2003, the network held a month-long celebration of ABS-CBN and Philippine TV's 50th year.^[11] The station produced two commemorative documentaries about the station's contribution in news and entertainment. Sa Mata ng Balita encapsulated some of the most unforgettable, most remarkable, and most celebrated landmarks of the last 50 years as captured by television news. 50 Taong Ligawan: The Pinoy TV History, on the other hand, was the first extensive television documentary done about the history of Philippine Television and the evolution of Philippine entertainment. For the celebration's finale, the broadcasting giant capped its 50th anniversary with a spectacular extravaganza dubbed as Kapamilya: ABS-CBN at 50,^[12] held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. It was hailed as one of the biggest media events of the year. The Lopez-led network rolled out the red carpet to welcome its high-profile guests from the business, advertising and media sectors, politics, members of the diplomatic community, with many of the society’s luminaries and glitterati. Valued friends and supporters of the network throughout the five decades also attended the grand affair. The network's official 50 Years station id won an Award for Excellence in the 2004 Golden Quill Festival.

On November 7, 2006, ABS-CBN unveiled its flagship coffeetable book, "Kapitan: Geny Lopez and the Making of ABS-CBN." The 453-page book chronicles the hardships and odds that the network founder had to face, as well as the achievements and contributions of ABS-CBN in Philippine Television history.^[13][14] The book won various awards, including Best Biography/Autobiography in the 26th National Book Awards,^[15] and a merit award in the publications category of the 2007 Gold Quill Awards.^[16]

On September 29, 2007, ABS-CBN acquired the exclusive rights to the whole movie library of the late Fernando Poe, Jr., after Susan Roces signed the contract. ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio Lopez III, Cory Vidanes, Senior Vice President of TVP Production, and Poe’s daughter Grace Poe-Llamanzares were present.^[17]

[edit] ABS-CBN 55 years

In 2008, ABS-CBN celebrated their 55th year in television. For the first time in Philippine TV History, ABS-CBN started the year by launching three primetime shows namely Lobo, Palos and Kung Fu Kids last January 28, 2008. ABS-CBN also launched Walang Iwanan sa BayaniJuan in June 12, 2008 incoincedence with the celebration of 110th Philippine Independence.

On April 26, 2009, ABS-CBN is the only media organization to be cited as one of the country's top 15 listed companies in corporate governance, as shown by an annual survey of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).^[18] It is the only media company to garner a score of 90 percent or higher in the 2008 Corporate Governance Scorecard, a survey of corporate governance practices among 172 publicly-listed companies in the country.^[19]

[edit] Programming

The following is the current primetime line-up from 7:00-10:30 p.m.:^[20]

Day	7:00	7:15	7:30	7:45	8:00	8:15	8:30	8:45	9:00	9:15	9:30	9:45	10:00	10:15	10:30
Sunday	The Singing Bee <<6:45PM			Rated K				Sharon			George and Cecil			TV Patrol Linggo 10:45PM>>
Monday	TV Patrol World <<6:30PM			May Bukas Pa			Only You			Tayong Dalawa			The Wedding		SNN 11:15PM>>
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday	The Singing Bee				Maalaala Mo Kaya						XXX				Banana Split 11:30PM>>

Legend
Comedy	Drama	Game/Reality	Kids/Fantasy	Talk show	News and Current Affairs	Movie block

The Wedding is followed by SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon, Weeknights before Bandila (Mondays to Thursdays) and S.O.C.O. (Fridays).

[edit] Branding of ABS-CBN

The ABS-CBN logo features three main elements, the vertical line rooted on a horizontal origin, the three extending circles, and the text ABS-CBN. The vertical line or bar represents a tower (broadcasting tower), with the circles symbolizing its signals representing the red, green and blue or RGB colors which makes up a pixel shown on the television. The 3 divisions of the Philippines is also denoted by the three circles.

[edit] Sarimanok

The Sarimanok, a legendary bird in Philippine Folklore was first used in 1966 to identify color broadcasts (somewhat similar on how the NBC peacock has been utilized). In 1993, which happens to be the Chinese Year of the Rooster, ABS-CBN relaunched the Sarimanok with a new station ID featuring the legendary bird. The Sarimanok ID became utmostly associated with the channel that ABS-CBN opted it to become the station's mascot. Incidentally, ABS-CBN named its new 24-hour news channel the Sarimanok News Network, the precursor of the ABS-CBN News Channel.

[edit] The evolution of ABS-CBN logos

In the Year 2000, ABS-CBN had changed its corporate logo. The previous logo, which featured stylized letters and a square with three concentric circles and a line gave way to the present logo's styling. The three circles with colors, red, green, blue with the vertical line at the center still remain, although the logotype has changed and the square is no longer used in some uses of the logo.

[edit] Slogans

[edit] Program production

[edit] ABS-CBN Broadcast Center

At the heart of ABS-CBN’s new capabilities are its technical equipment and systems. Consisting of a new master routing system. A 400x400 input/output matrix, has full stereo-audio capability and also provides additional levels of tally, serial control, machine control, and SMPTE time-code functions. The TOC houses 125 equipment racks providing space for a control system for studio and post-production; 200 stereo-audio distribution amplifiers; 325 video distribution amplifiers; a 2,880-position video patchbay; and a 3,380-position stereo audio patch field. The camera control center supports a total of 27 cameras, assignable to any studio. Linking the entire production and technical complex is a cable management system consisting of more than 50,000 meters (165,000 ft) of 8281 double-shielded coax cable; 106,000 meters (350,000 ft) of 8451 shielded audio cable; 5,000 meters (17,000 ft) of serial control cable; and 12,000 meters (40,000 ft) of triax camera cable. Post-production facilities include six computer-edit-equipped suites, with the 28 VTRs assignable to any suite. There are also an additional 18 A/B roll-edit suites. Each of the eight studios is equipped with a minimum of three cameras, with the capability of expansion to six cameras each. Individual studio control rooms include dual mix/effects switchers; dual channel DVE systems; 24-channel stereo-audio mixing boards; dual channel character generators; multichannel facility intercom; and remote serial machine control. New studio lighting includes remote-controlled motorized battens and a 3,200K SCR programmable lighting control system. This alleviated the requirement for lengthy testing and troubleshooting at the ABS-CBN Broadcast Center in Manila.

ABS-CBN’s facility is among the most sophisticated broadcast centers in the Pacific Rim and among the most modern in the world.^{[citation needed]} It is capable of producing and airing multiple, simultaneous live and recorded productions (from and to any part of the world). The enhancement and digitalization of the Broadcast Center has enabled the network to respond to a diverse market’s rapidly growing demand for a greater variety of broadcast programming.

[edit] ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs

After the 1986 EDSA Revolution, the network was first to air a newscast and current affairs show,^{[citation needed]} namely TV Patrol and Probe. The network's news organization suffered from credibility issues, including its alleged partiality in various political issues and the involvement of its former news anchors and network chairman in the political arena.^{[citation needed]} Based on the latest Pulse Asia Survey, ABS-CBN News was the most trusted news station garnering 68 points against its rival network GMA Network, garnering 60 points.^{[citation needed]}

At present, the news organization is headed by former CNN Jakarta and Manila Bureau Chief Maria Ressa. Ressa introduced major organizational changes and reforms, including the drafting of Code of Ethics that is very much benchmarked on international standards. The new Code of Ethics served as the Bible of all the members of the news organization.

ABS-CBN also owns the ABS-CBN News Channel, the only Filipino 24-hour cable news channel in the Philippines.

[edit] ABS-CBN Regional Network Group

The ABS-CBN Regional Network Group is the provincial network of ABS-CBN. It is responsible for simultaneously airing most of the shows seen on ABS-CBN's flagship station in the provinces. The ABS-CBN Regional Network Group has several stations in each region outside Mega Manila to ensure nationwide coverage. The local stations also produce their own newscasts which air prior to TV Patrol and other local programming which air on Sundays. ABS-CBN Regional Network Group (RNG) glorified its roots while reaching out wider audience in 2007, consistently building on local content and developing infrastructure to deliver better service and cement its position as the top-rating regional network in the country. RNG's journey of innovation reached Filipinos through the network's 43 TV and 16 radio stations, and even went the extra mile to cross the oceans and touch OFW's everywhere. Regional versions of favorite TV shows were created, enabling ABS-CBN to reach out and connect with wider audiences worldwide. The launch of the local game show Kapamilya Winner Ka! in Visayas and Mindanao. Gandang Umaga, Pilipinas in Northern Luzon, and the 16th local TV Patrol in Pampanga, provided more relevance to regional audiences. "Novelas"in regional dialects such as "Saranghe", "Summer Sunshine", and "Amor Chico", touched the hearts of viewers across the regions.

[edit] Competition

ABS-CBN lost a large chunk of its audience in 1996 when RPN introduced the "telenovelas," or dubbed soap operas from Latin American countries.^{[citation needed]} The following year, the company regained its audience after it changed its primetime schedule by adding Filipino-produced soap operas.^{[citation needed]}

In mid-2004, the company made a smaller investment when GMA Network gained audience share in Mega Manila, although ABS-CBN retained its lead in other provinces and overseas. The network signed a contract with Endemol to gain rights of its franchise of Big Brother. Since the rights were expensive, the company launched a series of promotions in the first and second quarter of 2005.^{[citation needed]} In August 2005, Pinoy Big Brother was aired, which became a hit which caused ABS-CBN to license more programs from Endemol such as Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal and Pinoy Dream Academy.

On January 22, 2006, ABS-CBN's broadcast of Solar Sports' "Hataw Pacquiao, Laban ng Bayan" became the 3rd most watched TV event in Philippine history^[21] as AGB Nielsen Media Research showed that 2.073 million households (5.261 million individuals) watched the Pacquiao-Morales rematch compared to "Rosalinda"'s 1.486 million households (3.787 million individuals) of its July 13, 2000 episode (Rosalinda is a Mexican telenovela purchased by ABS-CBN). It also registered the highest audience share of 79.5% against Rosalinda's 78.3%. However, Rosalinda remains as the highest rated TV show in Philippine TV history, with 68.9% compared to the 59.2% of the said rematch.^{[citation needed]} The Pacquiao-Larios match on the other hand, which was held last July 2, 2006 at Araneta Coliseum, registered the second biggest number of viewers of a TV event^[22] in Philippine history, having a rating of 65.7% in Mega-Manila and the highest audience share of 96 to 99% at the Urban Centers nationwide.

In a survey conducted by the AGB Nielsen Media Research from October 8 to October 13 using its National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) for the first time showed that ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation garnered a 43% viewership, putting it ahead of GMA Network, Inc. which got a share of 35.2%.^[23] The NUTAM was officially launched last October 16, 2006 to determine the TV ratings and audience share of local TV Programs from the different urban areas in the Philippines.

In the last quarter of 2006, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. led the nationwide television viewership share against rival GMA Network Inc., according to AGB Nielsen Media Research (Philippines) nationwide survey released October 26, 2006.^[24]

In the January 15, 2007 issue of BusinessWorld, a local broadsheet containing Business reports, AGB-Nielsen Media Research, the official ratings provider, released for the first time the official results of its Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM).^[25] The Nationwide Viewing Panel results for the week ending January 6, 2007, showed that in terms of individuals, 8 out of top 10 programs came from ABS-CBN with the Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal P4M Edition as the top-rater. In terms of households, all top 10 programs came from ABS-CBN with Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal P4M Edition also as the top-rater. ABS-CBN posted a channel rating of 12.2 and an audience share of 43.1 in terms of households, and a channel rating of 5.9 and an audience share of 42.7 in terms of individuals. GMA Network on the other hand posted a channel rating of 10.2 and an audience share of 36.9 in terms of households, and a channel rating of 5.3 and an audience share of 38.7 in terms of individuals.

In the last quarter of 2007, ABS-CBN topped the Nielsen Media Research Philippines survey among three market segments. It emerged as the preferred channel among affluent Filipinos, teenage audiences and families of Overseas Filipino workers. Nielsen defined the affluent as those living in posh, “gated villages” with income higher than P50,000 a month, while the teens are those in the 13-19 age bracket regardless of economic bracket. OFW beneficiaries, meanwhile, are those with a member of the family working abroad. In data presented by the said research and survey group, ABS-CBN registered a 79.4 percent grade to emerge as the top local channel most often watched by viewers who belong to the A, B and C1 market segment. The Kapamilya network was followed by GMA with 64.1 percent, while ABS-CBN's sister station, Studio 23, came next with 25.3 percent. The teens TV viewership category was also ruled by ABS-CBN with its 62.11 percent clip compared to GMA's 38.6 percent. It also collected the most viewership in the OFW families segment, registering a strong 64.0 percent as compared to GMA-7's 49.9 percent showing.^[26]

In 2007, according to AGB Nielsen, ABS-CBN lead the very first overall year end nationwide television ratings (NUTAM). Capturing 60% in urban Visayas and 66% in urban Mindanao while it trailed two points against GMA in urban Luzon with 40%. The top three overall highest rated programs in 2007 are all ABS-CBN shows. However, ABS-CBN no longer subscribes to AGB Nielsen due to ratings manipulation allegations.

In the first quarter of 2009, Data from TNS Media Research nationwide ratings and audience shares for the Feb 1-May 2 period showed that ABS-CBN has built its nationwide leadership to a whopping 44 percent audience share or an increase of 22 percent over its perennial rival.^[27]

Based on the TNS report from May 1 to 31, seven out of the top 10 weekday programs, and eight of the top 10 weekend programs nationwide were from ABS-CBN.^[28] All Top 5 Primetime shows are from the Kapamilya Network namely May Bukas Pa, Only You, Tayong Dalawa, TV Patrol World, and koreanovela Boys Over Flowers. This result a record-breaking revenue of close to P1.4 Billion for the month of May.^[29]

On May 19, 2009, according to TNS Media Research ABS-CBN marks a big milestone for as it recaptures Mega Manila with an audience share of 40 percent vs. GMA's 39 percent^[30]. It also got a whopping 50 percent audience share vs. GMA's 31 percent on the National Ratings. ABS-CBN leads in Metro Manila with 43 percent vs. GMA 's 34 percent.

[edit] Digital Television

ABS-CBN recently applied for a digital television-terrestrial service (DTT) license to the National Telecommunications Commission.^[6] Digital Television in the Philippines will utilize the DVB-T standard utilized in most of Europe. The Dutch company Impeq Technologies is one of ABS-CBN's consultants in the digital transition. The network is planning to also supply DTV boxes in areas where signal reception of Channel 2 is weak. Areas such as Valenzuela, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna are the potential market for the DTV set-top boxes. The Metro Manila market will receive DWWX-TV and DWAC-TV and the company's six other cable channels on the digital platform. The National Telecommunications Commission will be giving television broadcast companies until December 31, 2015, to fully convert from analog to digital technology, in line with the worldwide shift towards the use of DTT in broadcasting.^[31]

Recently, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), a local broadcasting organization in the Philippines pushes the government, particularly the NTC, to release the rules and regulations for digital TV by June 2009.^[32]

[edit] SD to HD

In April 19, 2009, ABS-CBN announced its intention to acquire 24 Sony HDC-1400R HD portable studio cameras which cost a total of $1.56 million^[33]. ABS-CBN is upgrading its studio facility at Quezon City, north of Manila, from SD to HD. The decision to upgrade to high definition was based on the increasing demand for high definition content from their domestic audiences and those that they export to around the globe.

[edit] EVS Technology

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation celebrates its 55th anniversary, the media conglomerate marks a new milestone in Philippine broadcasting history by being the first to do tapeless TV production in and out of their studios.^[34]

The Kapamilya Network was the first among Philippine networks to recognize the digital trend in broadcasting by setting up a 100-percent non-linear post-production workflow. From 2003 to today, ABS-CBN has been increasing its number of editing and audio workstations and server storage to cope with the rising volume of content. With this development, the Philippines becomes the first country in Southeast Asia to go tapeless in TV production.^[34]

ABS-CBN has chosen EVS technology to migrate to a tapeless production workflow in their studios and Outside Broadcast vans.^[35][36]

The company will install 14 XT servers throughout their company for ingest of media, and IPDirector in their studios for control of these servers and for logging and browsing. Media transfer to Avid ISIS for post production will be done with EVS' XFile acting as a gateway. All media will be compressed in IMX for SD and DNxHD for HD, which makes all EVS equipment natively compatible with ABS-CBN's Avid post production system.

For studio production, three 4-channel XT servers controlled by IPDirector will be installed in ABS-CBN studios for ingest, content indexing, review, clipping, and transfer to temporary archive or to Avid ISIS for post production. Using IPDirector allows users to review multiple camera angles directly, making it easy to select the best one. Also, because this solution ingests media digitally, editors will be able to edit media immediately upon ingest, even while recording is still in process, rather than waiting for tapes to be digitized.

Outside the studio, ten OB Boxes, each consisting of an XT Spotbox and an XFile will used in the field for multi-camera capture on removable media. Six OB Boxes are SD only, while four are HD/SD switchable. Finally, one 6-channel HD/SD X with LSM and XFile will installed in the OB Van used for recording sports events. The XFile removable media drives provide a cost-effective met.^[37]

[edit] TBC Intergration

TBC Integration, Inc. a leading equipment distributor and integrator of satellite video networks and subscriber management systems has been selected by ABS-CBN International, the U.S. based subsidiary of ABS-CBN Broadcasting, to provide a new turnkey video system. TBC Integration will supply a state-of-the-art MPEG-4/H.264 video encoding, multiplexing, control, and transmission platform.^[38]

The new system allows ABS-CBN International to substantially boost video picture quality on its contribution channels delivered from Manila to North America - without having to increase its leased fiber bandwidth. TBC Integration will install the system in Manila, and replace ABS-CBNi's current MPEG-2 system with MPEG-4/H.264 encoding technology that can deliver better than 50% efficiency compared to MPEG-2 systems. ABS-CBN International also gains the flexibility to add new channels within its existing bandwidth.^[39]

ABS-CBN can gain from the MPEG-4 video compression and DVB-S2 satellite modulation technologies available in many of the products TBC Integration is shipping and installing today. TBC Integration's solution includes Thomson's ViBE EM 2000 SD MPEG-4 encoders, NetProcessor 9030 transport stream processor, XMS(TM) eXtensible Management System, and XMU eXtensible Management Unit for control and management.^[40] Extensive and easy to use management, monitoring, and control features in the design allow ABS-CBN to dynamically reconfigure program bit-rates and route signals to a satellite backup link in the event of a redundant fiber network disaster. A satellite-backup sub-system uses the latest in satellite DVB-S2 modulation technology for improved spectral efficiency.^[41]

[edit] Controversies and scandals

In recent years, ABS-CBN has been involved in several controversies and scandals involving its subsidiaries and programming.

[edit] Wowowee scandals and incidents

Two major incidents involving ABS-CBN have involved the networks' game show Wowowee. Demand for tickets to an one-year anniversary episode of the show at the PhilSports Arena in 2006 caused a deadly stampede killing 76 people.^[42] Over a year later in August 2007, the show became entrenched in another scandal involving the possibility of a new game on the show being rigged as evident by a "mechanical glitch" which occurred during an episode^[43], which grew greater after Eat Bulaga! host Joey de Leon and Wowowee host Willie Revillame started exchanging attacks on-air against each other during their respective and competing shows.^[44] The incident later lead to a probe by the Department of Trade and Industry lead by senator Mar Roxas (which was jokingly suggested by Joey during a speech he made on Eat Bulaga! in reference to the Hello Garci scandal, dubbing it "Hello Pappy")^[45]

[edit] Nielsen bribery scandal

In late 2007, ABS-CBN accused "a certain television network" of bribing AGB Nielsen Philippines during their 2007 ratings surveys..^[46][47]

[edit] Writ of Amparo

On January 22, 2008, Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) supported the petition for Writ of amparo filed by the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation's 11 employees (led by Ces Oreña-Drilon) with the Supreme Court to rule on the legality of journalists' arrests concerning the failed Manila Peninsula rebellion. It stated: "We support employees from ABS-CBN in standing up for their democratic rights to work free from harassment and intimidation, especially from government officials and authorities." Meanwhile the Supreme Court required the respondents to file comment to the amparo petition within 10 days. Further, Harry Roque, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)'s lawyer announced its filing of a class lawsuit for injunction with damages (Article 33, New Civil Code of the Philippines) against the Philippine National Police, inter alia.^[48]

[edit] Entities and ventures

[edit] List of subsidiaries

• ABS-CBN Center for Communication Arts, Inc.
• ABS-CBN Distance Learning Center
• ABS-CBN Easy Remit
• ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.
• ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.
• ABS-CBN Global, Inc.
• ABS-CBN Integrated and Strategic Property Holdings, Inc.
• ABS-CBN Interactive, Inc.
• ABS-CBN International
• ABS-CBN Marketing & Productions
• ABS-CBN News Channel
• ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.
• ABS-CBN Radio Operations
• ABS-CBN Regional Network Group
• ABS-CBN Talent Management & Development Center, Inc.
• AMCARA Broadcasting Network
• APGI
• Balls
• Bayan Telecommunications
• Creative Programs, Inc.
• Cinema One
• E-Money Plus, Inc.
• Hero
• Home Cable
• Knowledge Channel
• Lifestyle Network
• Maxxx
• Myx
• New Media
• Nugen Music, Inc.
• Pinoy Central
• Roadrunner Network, Inc. (an animation, visual effects and 3D CGI firm) [2] [3]
• Scenarios Incorporated
• SkyCable
• Sky Films, Inc.
• Star Home Video
• Star Cinema
• Star Recording, Inc.
• The Filipino Channel
• The Religion Channel
• TV Food Chefs, Inc.
• Velvet

[edit] Affiliates and productions

• Bayan Productions, Inc.
• Bicol Broadcasting System, Inc. (BBS)
• Calbayog Community Broadcasting Corporation (CCBC)
• Diamond Star Productions, Inc. (DSPI)
• Double Vision
• Endemol
• Fairwaves Broadcasting Network, Inc. (FBN)
• First United Broadcasting Corporation (FUBC)
• Heavy Image Productions Inc.
• KB Entertainment Unlimited, Inc.
• Korean Broadcasting System (KBS)
• Masbate Community Broadcasting Corporation (MCBC)
• Mindanao Institute of Technology-Radio & Television Network (MIT-RTVN)
• Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)
• Our Lady Foundation (OLF)
• Probe Productions, Inc.
• Palawan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC)
• Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS)
• St. Jude Thaddeus Institute of Technology (SJTIT)
• Sky Vision Corporation (SVC)
• Sulu Tawi-Tawi Broadcasting Corporation (STBC)
• Sumuroy Broadcasting Corporation (SBC)
• Tagbilaran Broadcasting Corporation (TBC)
• Times Broadcasting Corporation (TBC)
• Viva Television Corporation

[edit] Divisions

• ABS-CBN Foundation
• ABS-CBN Global
• ABS-CBN Interactive
• ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs
• ABS-CBN Sports
• Central Library
• Engineering
• Entertainment
• I-Post
• Manila Radio Division
• Radio Division
• Traffic

[edit] See also

• List of Philippine television networks
• List of Philippine companies
• ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs

[edit] References

[edit] External links

[edit] Related Cases

• PhilSports Arena stampede in February 4, 2006
• The Cristy Fermin case report
• PAGCOR files cases against Globe, ABS-CBN for violation of P.D. 1602
• GMA 7 files case vs. ABS-CBN cable unit
• inquirer.net/breakingnews, ABS-CBN ups ante on digital TV

[edit] References

• Anastacio & Badiola. "what's the story, pinoy TV?". http://www.geocities.com/pinoytv/index.htm. Retrieved on 2006-09-26. 
• Limampung Taong Ligawan: The Pinoy TV Story [Documentary] (2003). Philippines: ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation.
• ABS-CBN History Timeline
• ABS-CBN History
• History of Mass Media in the Philippines
• ABS-CBN station ID in 1989
• Kapitan: Eugenio Lopez Jr. and the making of ABS-CBN (2006)
• Talkback with Tina Palma - interview with Freddie Garcia and James Lindenberg on ABS-CBN News Channel (November 27, 2006)
• Mishkind, Barry. "Philippine Broadcasting". http://www.oldradio.com/archives/international/philippines.html. Retrieved on 2006-09-26. 

[edit] Official

• ABS-CBN Corporate Information
• ABS-CBN Global
• ABS-CBN Foundation

v • d • e ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation Chairman/CEO: Eugenio Lopez III · Vice Chairman: Augusto Almeda Lopez · Founder: James Lindenberg · President/COO: Charo Santos-Concio Board Members: Oscar M. Lopez · Presentacion L. Psinakis · Federico M. Garcia · Cesar B. Bautista · Emily A. Abrera · Federico R. Lopez · Peter D. Garrucho · Fr. Carmelo A. Caluag ABS-CBN Subsidiaries ABS-CBN Entertainment Group · ABS-CBN Foundation · ABS-CBN Global · ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs · ABS-CBN Interactive · ABS-CBN Publishing · ABS-CBN Regional Network Group · ABS-CBN Sports · Creative Programs, Inc. · The Filipino Channel · Roadrunner Network, Inc. · Sky Films, Inc. · SkyCable · Star Cinema · Star Magic · Star Records Radio Networks DZMM Radyo Patrol Mega Manila · DYAB Radyo Patrol Cebu · DYRV Radyo Patrol Catbalogan · DXAB Radyo Patrol Davao · 101.9 For Life! · My Only Radio For Life! Terrestrial Television networks ABS-CBN · Studio 23 · ABS-CBN Regional TV Network Stations Cable Television networks Lifestyle Network · Cinema One · Myx · Hero · ABS-CBN News Channel · DZMM TeleRadyo · Kapamilya Channel · Knowledge Channel · Balls · Velvet · Maxxx ABS-CBN Publishing The Buzz · Pinoy Big Brother · Metro · Chalk Magazine · Food Magazine · Star Magic · Metro Him · Maxim · Myx Productions and Affiliates Bayan Productions, Inc. · Endemol · Probe Productions, Inc. · Double Vision · SBS · RCN ABS-CBN Foundation Bantay Bata · Bantay Kalikasan · Sagip Kapamilya · BayaNiJuan Annual Revenue: Php19.891 Billion (▲68% FY 2007) [4] · Employees: 7,406 (2008) · Stock Symbol: (PSE: ABS) · Website: ABS-CBN.com

v • d • e Broadcast television networks in the Philippines Major networks: ABS-CBN · GMA State-controlled networks: IBC · NBN · C/S 9 Minor networks: CLTV · CBS · EBC · PBC · QTV · RJTV · SBN · Studio 23 · TV5 Religious networks: ACQ-KBN · CCTN · CEBS · DBS · Gateway/3ABN · Zoe TV Defunct networks: BBC · FUBC · DZRH

v • d • e PSE Composite Index companies of the Philippines ABS-CBN · Ayala · Aboitiz · Aboitiz Power · Alliance Global · Ayala Land · BDO · BPI · EDC · First Gen · Filinvest Land · First Philippine Holdings · Globe · GMA · ICTSI · Jollibee · Lepanto · Metrobank · Megaworld · Meralco · Manila Water · Philex Mining · RCBC · Robinsons Land · SM Investments · San Miguel · SM Prime · PLDT · Universal Robina · Vista Land