Cinco de Mayo, in what was seen as a threat to press freedom, the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN, forcing the media giant to shut down.
On the evening of May 5, 2020, at 7:52 pm, the network aired what would be its last sign-off for a while. Peter Musñgi, the iconic voice of ABS-CBN, uttered the last words: “In the service of the Filipino. Now signing off.” And the screen went black.
Photo of the TV screen before ABS-CBN totally went off the air on May 5, 2021
The last time it was shut down was in 1972, during the regime of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. #OnThisDay
Who would not know the Kapamilya Network? I, myself grow up with ABS-CBN as the source of entertainment and news as the network has the largest coverage all over the archipelago. They are the only TV network that can reach far-flung areas of the country from Batanes to Jolo.
From Sineskwela to TV Patrol, undeniably the Kapamilya network is truly in the service of the Filipino. We Filipinos especially those who were born in the '90s are the ones who witness the blooming days of the Television industry.
At this time that the country is facing a dilemma brought by CoViD 19, the service from ABS-CBN and other TV stations are most essential in educating and sharing awareness to the people. Many have realized the large gap left by the non-airing of ABS-CBN on free TV and radio.
The rise of disinformation challenges our countrymen to be more observant in the absence of the giant network. Further, even without a franchise, the network is aligned with their unchanging motto to be in the service of the Filipinos all over the globe. The company partnered with other platforms to continue its service.
ABS-CBN programs can still be viewed on Free TV via A2Z Channel 11 Manila and some of its shows on TV5, Kapamilya channel on Cable, Kapamilya Online Live on youtube and Facebook, IwantTFC, and many more.
Many have been dismayed as the absence of ABS-CBN on free TV paves the delay of the country's transition to Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcast as it stops the speedy migration of ABS-CBN to digital TV. When they launch the mahiwagang black box or ABS-CBN TV Plus, the network leads the conversion of their broadcast facilities to leave the old Analog technology. However, lawmakers in Congress look at this action as inappropriate instead of helping the country to complete its digital migration.
In this situation where fake news is rampant and inactions of our leaders seem normal, the more that we need the service of true and brave media.
We stand with ABS-CBN. #IbalikAngABSCBN #DefendPressFreedom
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