NTC to issue CDO on ABS-CBN TVplus broadcast

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said that it will issue a cease and desist order for the operations of its ABS-CBN TVplus programs that operate under Channel 43.

“All broadcast operations of ABS-CBN are only authorized through its expired franchise…In other words, ABS-CBN’s airing of digital TV on Channel 43 is part of the cease and desist order because the franchise that they used for that is ABS-CBN’s franchise,” said NTC commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba on today’s hearing.

Explaining the continued broadcast on ABS-CBN TVplus, ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak said the company entered into a blocktime agreement with AMCARA Broadcasting Network Inc., maintaining that such practice is “a standard commercial agreement” and that other broadcasters have gone into similar arrangements.

He also pointed out that the previous order issued by the NTC to ABS-CBN did not indicate channel 43.

When asked if the network would comply should the NTC issue a CDO, he appealed that due process be accorded to it the same way that Congress gave to other companies with expired franchise and pending renewal in congress.

“’Yung hinihingi po lang namin is to make sure that we are given due process, so we have the right venue to express our position on this matter. And then whatever decision the NTC comes up with, we will respect the regulatory agency,” he said.

According to Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) president Jun Nicdao, blocktime has been an industry practice for a long time. It involves selling of airtime. However, the control of the station still rests with the owner of the franchise.

“Blocktimers do not need a franchise to buy airtime from a broadcasting station,” said Nicdao

via: ABS-CBN,  Philippine Star