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- Through Kapamilya Online Live, people can watch ABS-CBN through Facebook and YouTube in the same format as on television.
- Its YouTube channel currently has 26 million subscribers and its Facebook page has more than 25 million likes.
ABS-CBN has been off-air since May 5 as its franchise has ended. With the House of Representatives rejecting its application for another 25-year franchise, the network has focused on a new era on digital platforms.
According to ABS-CBN digital content publishing head Richard Reynante, the company has suddenly lost its strongest platforms which are the television and radio. Though faced with one of the biggest hurdles in the network’s history, they decided that they can’t let down all the people relying on them for information.
“We have to find a way para pagsilbihan ang ating mga Kapamilya, whether via information, public service, or entertainment. We have to reach them in any way.”
ABS-CBN launched Kapamilya Online Live which live streams the network programs for free through YouTube and Facebook. The channel’s programming is similar to what ABS-CBN Channel 2 has shown on television. It still has the familiar Primetime Bida during weeknights and so on.
“The best thing about it is — since digital is really the way to go, and that’s the destination ng media consumption natin — napabilis ‘yung pagpunta natin doon. Iyong pagkawala ng franchise natin, napilitan tayo to extend our creativity, extend our vision, and look at our other platforms na puwede natin gamitin.”
On August 17, it aired its first-ever ABS-CBN teleserye to be premiere and fully air on its digital platform. Three days later, ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel already had 29 million subscribers and it’s Facebook page contains 25 million followers.
One of the reasons for the rapidly growing audience count may be the availability of its content where both subscribers and non-subscribers can access its contents.
“There are 60 million people who are available to watch our programs,” Reynante stated.
“Depende kung anong klaseng programa ang ibibigay natin sa kanila, at kung magugustuhan nila ‘yun, ganoon kalaki ang audience na available para sa atin.”
He then connected it to the government’s nationwide internet accessibility program, saying that if it happens, the whole nation is on the right track.
“We are trailblazing. We are setting a trend in the Philippines. Along the way, may learning curve tayo, and we can see how we can improve.”
