ABS-CBN has ceased broadcasting in accordance to a cease and desist order from the National Telecommunications Commission following the expiry of its franchise.
In a statement, the country’s largest media network cited how the order was issued despite earlier legislative resolutions ensuring the issuance of a provisional authority pending the renewal of its broadcasting license.
But ABS-CBN News Channel is not covered by the National Telecommunications Commission cease and desist order. It clarified this in a post on its official Twitter account.
“ANC will remain on air as NTC’s order does not cover cable news channel.”
ABS-CBN will comply with NTC's cease and desist order.
ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) is not covered by the NTC's order and will continue to go on-air. pic.twitter.com/i8tW1S8Gcp
— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) May 5, 2020
ABS-CBN’s online assets, such as news, entertainment and sports websites, can continue to deliver content. ABS-CBN’s video streaming service and iWant app can also continue to deliver content to internet users.
NTC’s Cease-and-Desist Order stated that the local media giant network should cease to operate due to the lack of a valid Congressional Franchise as required by law.
“Upon the expiration of RA 7966, ABS-CBN no longer has a valid and subsisting congressional franchise as required by Act No. 3846. The NTC Regional Offices shall implement the closure order in their respective areas of jurisdiction.”
This includes 42 television stations, 10 digital broadcast channels, 18 FM stations and 5 AM stations.
National Telecommunications Commission also stated that the case will be scheduled for hearing after the enhanced community quarantine is lifted.
“After receipt of ABS-CBN’s responses, the NTC shall schedule the case for hearing at the earliest time after the enhanced community quarantine is lifted by the Government.”
Netizens can’t still believe that the local media giant has signed off.
We just signed off. And people in our newsroom couldn’t even hug each other.
— Ces Oreña-Drilon (@cesdrilon) May 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/CongTVOffcl/status/1257666868573175810?s=20
seeing ABS-CBN shut down is like a part of my childhood being taken away.#NoToABSCBNShutDown pic.twitter.com/w6UlagQ5eN
— αуe (@bunnaye_e) May 5, 2020
