ABS-CBN University’s chief content officer and president Charo Santos-Concio revealed her depression after ABS-CBN lost in Mega Manila back in the early 2000s.
In an interview with Toni Gonzaga‘s YouTube show, ToniTalks, Santos-Concio revealed the diagnosis of her depression. She cited two instances that caused her depression. First, when ABS-CBN was number five out of five TV stations.
Second, when they lost to GMA Network in terms of ratings after their 17-year lead in Mega Manila.
“The most challenging parts in my years of working for ABS-CBN; were two instances no. First, when we were number 5 out 5, and we had to grow the business. Yan mahirap yan, no resources, ang konti ng tao. Mahirap din, but exciting. Di ba? You’re ready to go. The more painful instance was when we lost our leadership in Mega Manila. From being number one for 17 years, we dropped to number two,” she said.
She noted that she took things to heart. She also shared that their dip in ratings made her question herself.
“And, I (really) took it to heart. Kaya lang, dropping to number two was a rejection of my person. Medyo ni-relate ko sa pagkatao ko na parang, “what am I here for? I’m a failure.”
For her, the whole ordeal made her feel that she wanted to quit her job.
“It really dragged me down, and I wanted to quit. I thought it was not the right place for me anymore to continue working.”
Then, Charo said that she faced her depression so she could find herself again.
“Face all your demons, face all your shadows. Wala eh mawiwindang ka talaga eh. Tapos ang daming opinyon na parang, ito, sasabihin ito, ito sasabihin ito. Until, before you know it, you’re lost. So, I had to find myself again.”
Santos-Concio also added that her experience was the most liberating chapter of her life because it made her accept herself.
“It was also the most liberating chapter of my life when I looked at myself in front of the mirror and accepted the person that I am, warts and all,” said Ma’am Charo.
In the early 2000s, ABS-CBN experienced economic backlash and their dip in ratings compared to the competing networks such as GMA Network.
However, through a change in content, focusing on storytelling and emotional connection to their audience, ABS-CBN bounced back to claim the number one spot again in Mega Manila.
