Philippines: AMBS Launches AllTV on former ABS-CBN OTA Frequency

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Advanced Media Broadcasting System, a media company owned by billionaire tycoon and former senator Manny Villar, launched its new broadcast network today. The new network, AllTV, launched on VHF Channel 2 in Manila, and is slated to launch with a number of variety/game shows. News programming will be supplied by CNN Philippines.

 

Some background: This new network is the product of a politically-motivated shutdown of ABS-CBN, the former occupant of the Ch. 2 frequency. ABS-CBN’s franchise was not renewed by the Philippine Congress after then-President Rodrigo Duterte pledged that its franchise would not be renewed. The network’s critical coverage of Duterte has been cited as the primary reason for its shutdown on linear TV. The same Congress later awarded a broadcast franchise to Villar, who was a close ally of Duterte.
 

ABS-CBN continues to broadcast on cable. It also simulcasts some of its programming on its former competitor, TV5, and on a religious-owned station in Manila (DZOE-TV). 

 

AFAIK, AllTV is only available in Metro Manila (and on cable). I have some family in the Philippines who live far from Manila, and they are unable to get OTA reception.

 

Here’s the launch:

 

Edited September 13, 2022 by nycnewsjunkie
Added info, link