Renewal, approved or not?
As we all know, many issues are happening now in our country, there’s this threat of the COVID-19 pandemic that still not going well, the signing of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the issue about renaming the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Renewal Franchise of ABS-CBN that is still ongoing in the congress. The controversy started due to the expiration of its congressional franchise on 4 May, 2020. Then a cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission on 5 May, 2020. Many alleged violations were thrown at the media giant, including bias news reporting, broadcasting for a fee and operating a "pay-per-view channel in ABS-CBN TV Plus, the KBO Channel, without prior approval or permit from the NTC, the issue about them not paying tax but later on said that has been paying the proper taxes and has no tax liability with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. May 26, 2020, the House holds its first hearing on ABS-CBN's franchise bid, accusing the network of violating several labor practices. Followed by Lopez's American citizenship invalidates his ownership and management of the network operations. On June 30, 2020, the NTC prohibits the broadcasts of its black box channels in Metro manila and on that same day, the hearing addressed the alleged labor violations, others claim that they sued the company for its unfair labor practices. Starting the day of July, the network also announced that the black box will also stop airing outside the Metro. After doing twelfth congress hearings in total, on July 10, 2020 the lawmakers deny embattled media giant bid for a 25-year franchise, with the vote of 70-11.
In this modern day, you will catch sight of this issue in any social media platform. You will see different opinions coming from different people; you will see good and bad judgement which is inevitable. In this topic, press freedom is also included in this massive issue. The network is fighting for its “Press-Freedom”. They say, here in the country, journalist criticizing the government is perceived as biased. This is why ABS-CBN and other media outlets, have been in trouble and have faced threats of closure, because fearless journalism is the last thing an administration wants. Opinions say that in the end, it is a personal attack by butt hurt politicians that have been criticized by the network.
I think as a big network that delivers news and entertainment to people; it is just right not to take one side. It should be fair, unbiased, and transparent to prevent such issues. As to the lawmakers that will decide whether they will grant the franchise renewal or not. There shouldn’t be any room for personal resentment when it comes to the network, hear what the representatives of the network will say to defend the network itself. To sum things up, there is nothing wrong with ABS-CBN applying for a franchise, the manner in which it is done matters. ABS-CBN should apply a new franchise by law-abiding. Also, the Congress can grant franchises, but it should be done in fair and objective way. Without of prejudice and within the bounds of the Constitution.
