The ABS-CBN/TV5 partnership is exciting news — two media companies fusing content and resources to gain more viewership.
For instance, the back-to-back airing of Tropang LOL and It’s Showtime! began last month. Kapamilya talents Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis engaging in hilarious repartee again was a welcome sight — this time with Kapatid artists part of the fun.
We hope to see more ABS-CBN shows on TV5, like Magandang Buhay, MMK, among others.
The Kapamilya-Kapatid joint venture is also timely since it can help boost the economy with more sponsors spending their advertising budgets with more platforms.
The business sector had voiced its support for the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, citing the value of the Kapamilya network in drawing more product consumers.
The pandemic affected almost all business establishments and the ABS-CBN shutdown denied advertisers an efficient outlet that had the widest reach on free TV.
Nobody wants a monopoly in broadcasting, as it may lead to complacency more than innovation, and mediocrity more than excellence.
Without healthy competition in broadcast media, there will be lack of choices for viewers. And we may wake up one day with virtually everyone just glued on TikTok and YouTube.
With ABS-CBN back on air via TV5, expect rival networks, including a new kid on the block, to step up their game.
That’s why it’s surprising that the Philippine Competition Commission seemed unhappy about the Kapamilya-Kapatid partnership due to monopoly issues, when the industry is currently dominated by one TV network that has been enjoying audience share in recent years.
It should not be a concern if ABS-CBN and TV5 have joined forces. Remember, ABS-CBN is no longer a conventional broadcast network. Its primary role is to provide content to TV5, which the PCC should welcome.
As ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak said of the deal with TV: “We believe we can further enrich our creative industry by continuing to be more collaborative with each other.”
Let’s hope genuine unity, not vindictiveness, will triumph.