Filipino musician Jim Paredes took to social media to express his opinion on the lack of news coverage amid typhoon Ulysses due to the denied franchise of the ABS-CBN network.
On Thursday, November 12, he wrote on Twitter that he misses the Kapamilya network especially during calamities where the network is known for providing exclusive media coverage and information to the people.
He showed his support for the Kapamilya network saying that the media giant’s shutdown resulted in having less big fundraising events held to help the people cope and recover from the calamity.
https://twitter.com/Jimparedes/status/1326661769016668160
“Missing abs-cbn during times like these. Info deficit.. No big fundraisers to help communities recover,” the musician wrote.
Jim even took a swipe at the 70 congressmen who voted against the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN saying that they will be remembered as one of the reasons why the country is suffering.
“The country is suffering. Thank you congressmen. We will remember you for this,” he added.
In a separate Tweet, Jim showed his support to all the people affected by typhoon Ulysses by posting, “Be safe, Philippines.”
https://twitter.com/Jimparedes/status/1326646105761669120
He also made an effort to help in the donations for the typhoon victims in Luzon by using his influence to spread information on how people can donate. He shared a photo from “Kaya Natin Movement” where it shows where people could send their donations.
https://twitter.com/Jimparedes/status/1326778033735348225
“Here’s an easy way to donate,” he wrote.
Netizens commended the musician for his efforts in helping the typhoon victims in his own way. They agreed with his statement regarding the ABS-CBN being a much-needed corporation in providing news to people as well as typhoon coverage.
A Twitter user said that the Philippines lacks the value of volunteerism that’s why the Kapamilya network is needed as the corporation is known for actively responding to calamities and helping Filipinos.
iyun na nga po ang kulang sa ating mga pinoy volunteerism, tapos nawala ang isang network na agad na may fund raising at tulong sa mga biktima ng sakuna. SIGH. WHo is to blame?
— j@stW@tching (@j4stW4tching) November 11, 2020
“‘Yun na nga po ang kulang sa ating mga pinoy volunteerism, tapos nawala ang isang network na agad na may fund raising at tulong sa mga biktima ng sakuna. SIGH. WHo is to blame?” he said.
Another Twitter user said that he also misses ABS-CBN’s live updates regarding the typhoon.
https://twitter.com/RuBYkontrabidah/status/1326665431742967810
“Yes, Jim. Missing real time/live updates, which can indeed help in bringing response to those urgently needing assistance and rescue in the danger zones,” he said.
https://twitter.com/lensarz/status/1326798630578229250
“Nakakamis yong mga breaking news to give live updates, missing abs and tv patrol,” another netizen said.
With the strong wind and rain brought by Typhoon Ulysses, effective media coverage has been difficult. Media companies and field reporters struggle to provide information and coverage because of the signal interference and having most areas affected by the typhoon flooded.
Without a broadcast franchise, the ABS-CBN network struggles to reclaim its audience by using every means possible.
ABS-CBN shifted to digital platforms and relied on online streaming to provide for its viewers. They also provide their shows, series, and news information through cable television.
The network launched its pay television channel, Kapamilya Online Live in June 2020 where it takes live feeds of Kapamilya Channel and delivers replays of past Kapamilya shows.
The Kapamilya network also recently sealed a deal with Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc. owned by Eddie Villanueva which facilitated the return of Kapamilya shows to free television 5 months after being shut down.
Meanwhile, netizens showed their support to ABS-CBN as well and mentioned that they will remember the congressmen who voted to shut down ABS-CBN. They stand with the Kapamilya network especially in times like these.
https://twitter.com/itsmebryan/status/1326841686379540481
https://twitter.com/cp_assss/status/1326849810255671296
https://twitter.com/ellabling/status/1326836524273475584
https://twitter.com/Precedex3/status/1326809316259590144
https://twitter.com/ezakoy/status/1326751608026275841
https://twitter.com/NinangBee/status/1326748863630356481
https://twitter.com/itshopyaaa/status/1326737846741336064
#missingABSCBN https://t.co/8Af38TDFq8
— Kristoffer Atienza (@krisatienzaph) November 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/Cappuccino1622/status/1326691950292955137
