- Richard Heydarian shared an observation on celebrities’ silence amidst threats to ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
Political analyst Richard Heydarian joined the well-known personalities who openly spoke about the impending renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise.
In a tweet, GMA Network’s resident political analyst said it’s surprising that not many celebrities are coming out and speaking out in support of the embattled Kapamilya network.
“Ok this is NO JOKE. For the FIRST time since the collapse of the MARCOS dictatorship, a leading INDEPENDENT MEDIA outlet, ABS CBN, could indeed face loss of franchise if not total CLOSURE. And for some reason, hardly see enough CELEBRITIES speaking out!” he tweeted.
Ok this is NO JOKE. For the FIRST time since the collapse of the MARCOS dictatorship, a leading INDEPENDENT MEDIA outlet, ABS CBN, could indeed face loss of franchise if not total CLOSURE. And for some reason, hardly see enough CELEBRITIES speaking out!
— Richard Heydarian (@RichHeydarian) January 16, 2020
Heydarian used to be ABS-CBN’s political analyst before he transferred to GMA Network.
ABS-CBN’s franchise is about the expire in March 2020. If not renewed, ABS-CBN will have to cease operations, endangering the jobs of almost 11 thousand employees and talents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1CLMCa_6t4
Netizens who replied to his tweet shared their theory on why only a few celebrities are speaking out.
@FrancisCaysip said the celebrities may have been told not to openly speak about the issue because the network is planning something.
“I think the celebrities were told not to publicly talk about the issue. It”s possible the tv station is planning something or is currently working out a solution quietly. In any war, the element of surprise is a huge advantage,” he tweeted.
https://twitter.com/FrancisCaysip/status/1217646800577777664
It was seconded by @mmdl0923 who said the celebrities may have been instructed not to say anything.
“Maybe they are instructed not to say anything?,” she tweeted.
https://twitter.com/mmdl0923/status/1217767066486263809
May pasabog ang abscbn, free tv lang mawawala, just in case, pero ang airing tuloy. They learn from the past, 5 steps ahead na ang abscbn against the government manipulation.
— STORYMAKER (@T4rgetL0cked) January 16, 2020
Here are other reactions from the netizens to Heydarian’s tweet.
https://twitter.com/nomadicvillager/status/1217681019983187968
Okay na Yung silence, Basta wag na wag silang pipirma ng kontrata sa network ni Dennis UY. Patayin nila dahil sa sobrang pangit ng content at walang kwentang artists. Yung tipong si Mocha Uson, Philip Salvador, Jimmy Bondoc lang Ang mapapanood. Magshushutdown din Yan pagnagkataon
— Lee Mclino (@LeeMclino) January 16, 2020
True. Only a few brave souls did like Lisa Soberano, Sharon Cuneta to name a few. It's quite appalling considering the many celebrities they employ/handle!!🤢
— MIEL P. FULE (@pealle) January 16, 2020
I guess pinababawalan din sila ng network nila
— eli se (@btchy_elise) January 16, 2020
How I wish the ABS-CBN talents would voice out their sentiments on its pending "closure". Sayang ang public influence nila. And employees should voice out too because they will be the most affected. Thats the way to get attention/sympathy from the public to help pressure govt.
— Mark Lester Malaya (@dakokaayo) January 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/jyraanne/status/1218054674013663232
Ayaw magsalita at manindigan dahil umaasang ma-renew. Kung ma-renew man sila, sira na ang kredibilidad kasi di nila pala kayang manindigan kapag ginigipit na!
— Stradivarius (@Darest16350513) January 16, 2020