Charles Teves
The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) suggested that ABS-CBN should attempt once more to apply for a new franchise to prevent the National Telecommunications Commission from recalling their frequencies.
“I hope ABS is considering reapplying again for another franchise para lang mahabol na makakuha ng tsansa na maka-partake o makuha nila frequencies nila,” said KBP chairman Herman Basbaño.
“We know that there has to be a process pero kung kaya naman at interesado talaga ang ABS, puwede naman nating balikan ‘yan at apply franchise again and submit intent to NTC kasi sa kanila naman ito,” he added.
According to the NTC Administrative Order 2020-008, based on the denial of a new franchise to ABS-CBN by the House committee on legislative franchises, the media giant is no longer able to operate since it lacks a franchise.
ABS-CBN has 75 channels and frequencies on its Channel 2, around 630 in their radio station, and 10 digital terrestrial television broadcasting stations for their ABS-CBN Blackbox.
The recalling of the media giant’s frequencies is going to cause various problems, said the KBP. This is because there will be plenty of bidders. In addition, even if ABS-CBN is granted a new franchise after 2 years, it will have no frequency.
“Kung mauubos po ‘yung frequency sa dami ng aplikante, ang mangyayari pipila rin kayo sa pag-apply. So tama po ‘yung sinasabi niyo na maaaring wala na kayong frequency after 2 years,” Basbaño said.
The KBP added that the transition to digital, starting in December, will go forward since there will be an increase in free frequencies. But the penetration rate of the “Digital TV Set Up Box” in Metro Manila should be at 95 percent.
“Mayroon kasing inaasahan na malilibreng frequency kapag dumating ang panahon na isa-shutdown po ang lahat ng analog. Pero numero e, may 95 percent Digital TV Set Up Box penetration dapat ang Metro Manila. Mahirap i-determine iyon,” said Basbaño.
Meanwhile Rep. Carlos Zarate said that the NTC is one step ahead of the People’s Initiative which seeks to have ABS-CBN back on the air.
“Talagang gusto nang alisan hindi lang ang ABS-CBN ng boses kung hindi ‘yung mga umaasa pang mamamayan na maibalik sa ere ang ABS-CBN,” ani Zarate.
