Charles Teves
Harry Roque doesn’t believe that ABS-CBN getting denied a new congressional franchise sends a “chilling effect” on other media organizations.
Roque thinks ABS-CBN is more entertainment-oriented network rather than news reporting.
“Hindi po ako naniniwala sa chilling effect. Dahil unang una, ang negosyo naman po talaga ng ABS-CBN ay hindi naman po balita kundi ito po ay entertainment,” Roque told DZBB in an interview.
“Kaya po tayo nanonood dyan, dahil sa mga palabas na “[Ang] Probinsyano,” “[It’s] Showtime,” yan po yung kanilang top grossers. At ang kanilang TV Patrol, bagamat maraming nanonood, hindi naman po yan yung talagang hanapbuhay lang nila,” he added.
The House committee on legislative franchises voted 70-11, denying ABS-CBN the chance to continue operations.
Roque has said once again that Malacañang remains neutral regarding the issue and that Congress independently made the decision.
President Rodrigo Duterte has forgiven ABS-CBN for failing to air his 2016 presidential ads, and even asked to have the his money donated to charity instead of taking the refund.
