| File:ABC-TV.png | |
| Type | Broadcast television network |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Availability | National |
| Owner | ABC Development Corporation |
Key people | Joaquin Roces, founder Antonio O. Cojuangco, CEO |
Launch date | June 19, 1960 |
Former names | Associated Broadcasting Corporation |
Official website | ABC.com.ph |
The Associated Broadcasting Company, commonly abbreviated to ABC, is a Philippine television network, with main broadcast facilities in Metro Manila. It is the third-oldest television network in the country, and currently is the third largest television network. It is currently owned by businessman Antonio "Tony Boy" Cojuangco.
Its main station is DWET-TV 5 (ABC-5) in Metro Manila. It also operates a radio station, Dream 106 FM, in Metro Manila.
History
Joaquin "Chino" Roces, then owner of the Manila Times was granted of a radio-TV franchise from Congress under Republic Act 2945 on June 19, 1960. He then founded Associated Broadcasting Company, the fourth television network established in the Philippines. ABC operated as a radio and television broadcasting network from 1960 until September 21, 1972 when then President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared martial law. Both ABC and the Manila Times were shut down as a result.
When democracy was restored as a result of the 1986 People Power Revolution, Chino Roces made a successful representation with then President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino for the reopening of the network.
New stockholders then began the arduous task of resuscitating the network. The Securities and Exchange Commission granted their application for an increase in capitalization and amendments to ABC’s articles of incorporation and by-laws. They were subsequently granted a permit to operate by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
ABC broke ground in what was to become its new studio complex in Novaliches, Quezon City in 1990. By the final quarter of 1991, ABC was on test broadcast. Commercial operation started in February, 1992. A brand new television and radio broadcasting network was born – ABC Development Corporation, doing business under the trade name Associated Broadcasting Company.
ABC acquired a new franchise to operate on December 9, 1994, under Republic Act 7831 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos. In the same year, it went on nationwide satellite broadcasting. In a surge of phenomenal growth, ABC earned a reputation as "The Fastest Growing Network". It has taken big leaps and bounds and is now among the ranks of "The Big League". As early as its 15th month of operation, it rose to a strong no. 3 in the overall TV network rating with a programming that combines the "Best of Both Worlds": America's certified hits and all station-produced local programs. Its creativity and innovation have resulted in numerous long-running program successes.Amid the escalating network war, ABC succeeded in gaining a foothold, as the dark clouds of the Asian crisis loomed in the horizon. The next several years were a matter of survival.
Cojuangco ownership
In October, 2003, ABC was acquired by a group led by businessman Antonio O. Cojuangco, former Chairman of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and owner of Dream Satellite Broadcasting and Bank of Commerce, among others. Cojuangco, popularly known as Tonyboy, who serves as President and Chief Executive Officer, envisions a network that’s “strong on news and public affairs, provides high quality entertainment and serves as an effective tool with which to shape and mold a country’s ethical values and moral fiber.” A whole lot of changes have been happening and happening fast as ABC reinvents itself and takes on the challenge of revolutionizing the broadcast landscape.
ABC’s new management team is laying the groundwork for a highly-competitive cutting-edge television station along a modernization plan expected to be completed by 2005 at a cost of over a billion pesos. Top priority is optimum coverage and TV signal reception. To achieve this, ABC will boost its transmission power and establish new sites in strategic parts of the country. Coverage is also being augmented through affiliations and through synergy with its sister company, DREAM Broadcasting. ABC also aims to reach audiences in America via its Mabuhay Channel.
ABC’s corporate vision and mission have been realigned to match the new owners’ philosophy. The organization is restructuring and expanding to meet new demands and challenges. Its programming is evolving along its avowed goal of providing a true alternative to predictable, undifferentiated program fare. Under the new owners and management, ABC is determined to challenge the dominance of the broadcast industry leaders.
ABC Slogans:
- Come Home To ABC (1992)
- The Fastest Growing Network (1993)
- The Big Leap (1994)
- The Big League (1995)
- Reaching Out To You (1996-2000)
- The Best of Both Worlds (1998)
- Come Home To ABC (2001-2004)
- ABC: Iba Tayo! (2004-present)
- ABC: Idol Maging Iba! (2006-present)
- ABC: ChristMas Iba (2006 Christmas Season Slogan)
ABC News and Public Affairs
ABC's News and Public Affairs programs are strongly positioned to bring to ever-widening audiences the exciting, fast-paced and often turbulent events of the century. ABC has outstanding programs that combine talent, pluck, creativity and a greater respect for the intelligence and taste of the Filipino viewing public.
The ABC news team combines experience and youth, addressing issues with admirable perspective and a fresh look with only one goal in mind… to bring audiences the news that matter..
ABC Sports
ABC Sports is the brand used for sports broadcasts by ABC television network. It was formed in 2004 with ABC's acquisition of broadcast rights of Philippine Basketball Association Games (PBA on ABC). It is also responsible for the televising of many sports events such as the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, and the WNCAA.
Programming
ABC's program lineup included news and current affairs shows, variety shows, gag shows, dubbed foreign serials, children's shows, anime shows,reality shows, and sports. The following is the current primetime (6:30-9:30 PM) line-up of its flagship station.
| SUNDAY | MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:45 | Big News | ||||||
| 7:00 | PBA on ABC | Global Shockers | Ultimate Guiness World Records | PBA on ABC | S.O.S.: Stories of Survival | PBA on ABC | Teka Mona! |
| 8:00 | TOTOO TV | Todo Max | HAYOP na HAYOP | Ripley's Believe it or Not | |||
| 9:00 | Philippine Idol Performance Night | Philippine Idol Results Night | I ♥ Philippine Idol | Shall We Dance | |||
Notes: 1 starts at 4:00 PM
| Legend | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reality | Series | Game and variety shows | Sports | Comedy | Movie block | News, talk and infotainment | Foreign-produced programs |
TV and radio stations nationwide
Today, ABC has fifteen (15) stations and over 100 cable TV affiliates countrywide. It has earned honors and awards both here and abroad for its homegrown programs. In 1999, ABC was awarded the last remaining UHF frequency (Channel 47), winning over a field of competitors, because of its capabilities and track record. ABC DWDZ-TV Channel 47 is expected to be operational soon.
International broadcast
ABC programs, except Philippine Basketball Association Games , are shown in the United States via the Mabuhay Channel exclusively on Dish Network.
Trivia
When ABC reopened in 1992, it introduced many first in the Philippine Entertaiment industry, which had also been copied by the big two Philippine TV networks.
- The person behind the voice-over on ABC Channel 5 is Michael Knight
- Originator of primetime live TV newscast in the 1960s - Big News
- First Modern Gag Show- Tropang Trumpo
- First Filipino Slapstick Comedy - O-Gag
- First Modern Dance Show- Eezy Dancing
- First Reality and Practical Joke Show - Wow Mali
- First Videoke Show- Sing-Galing
- First Celebrity Reality Dance Contest- Shall We Dance
- First TV Show produced by Independent Film Makers- Dokyu
The station has also popularized several expressions that has been part of everyday living of Filipinos, these are: Lupet (from TV show On-Air), Chicken! (from TV show Tropang Trumpo) and many others.
See also
Related