Since its inception on October 23, 1953, ABS-CBN has become one of the Philippines' most influential and enduring television networks. Over the years, it has evolved into a trusted source of news, entertainment, and cultural programming, playing a significant role in shaping the nation’s media landscape.
Throughout its rich history, ABS-CBN has thrived as a network and weathered numerous challenges. From its humble beginnings as the Alto Broadcasting System (ABS) on October 23, 1953, and Chronicle Broadcasting Network (CBN) on September 24, 1956, the network steadily expanded and rebranded as ABS-CBN in 1961, as a television branding before ABS and CBN formally merged and its parent company Bolinao Electronics Corporation became "ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation" later on February 1, 1967. From there, it found its place as the leading channel in Philippine broadcasting.
In 1962, ABS-CBN introduced its well-known slogan "The Philippines' Largest Network" after it became the biggest broadcasting network in the country.
In 1964, ABS-CBN used a triangle signifying a transmitter, and in place of four rings, with the box enclosing them, was also a square.
On November 17, 1966, when television started its color broadcast in the Philippines, ABS-CBN made the first 3 rings converted to RGB colors in its logo. The logo was used to promote color broadcasting.
The now-iconic design consisting of three rings, a line, and a square made its debut in May 1968, in time for the inauguration of the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center on December 18, 1968. Januario Jison Jr. added the black square, Ignacio Vitalis added three rings that represent the three island groups of the Philippines (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao), and Eugenio Lopez Jr. added the vertical line (signifying a transmitter), and then said, “There, that’s it," with a square enclosing the symbol. The symbol resembles a lollipop and spinning top toy (trumpo in Filipino).
Wili Fernandez made the font called ABS-CBN Contemera.
The logo was revived in 1986, campaigning with Watch Us Do It Again and promoting the network as The Star Network; however, the 1986 logo was used for some purposes as a secondary logo until 1989.
In 1968, ABS-CBN also unveiled its secondary logo, similar to its 1966 logo, and it was used officially to promote color broadcasting.
One of the network’s defining moments came on February 22 to 25, 1986, when ABS-CBN played a pivotal role in covering and documenting the People Power Revolution. With its dedicated journalists and reporters on the ground, ABS-CBN provided extensive live coverage of the historical event, allowing the nation and the world to witness the power of the people as they peacefully ousted an oppressive regime.
However, ABS-CBN’s journey has not been without its fair share of trials. In 1972, during President Ferdinand Marcos' declaration of martial law, the network was forcibly shut down and its assets seized. This dark period deprived the Filipino people of their trusted source of information and entertainment.
After the fall of the Marcos regime, ABS-CBN made a triumphant comeback on September 14, 1986. With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, the network embarked on a mission to rebuild and regain the trust of the Filipino audience. It focused on delivering high-quality programming that resonated with its viewers' diverse tastes and interests.
The 1968 color logo underwent slight modifications once ABS-CBN returned to the air on September 14, 1986, months after the events of the EDSA Revolution, which ousted President Ferdinand Marcos. It also introduced its new slogan, “Watch Us Do It Again”, until February 28, 1987.
On March 1, 1987, ABS-CBN introduced its new branding as “The Star Network” with the live musical special, The Star Network: Ang Pagbabalík Ng Bituin (The Return of the Star), which noted the then-brand-new numerical white tri-ribbon channel 2 logo with a white rhomboidal star (from 1988 to 1993 the ribbons were tri-colored in red, green, and blue) as a centerpiece of the network’s revival.
In 1989, ABS-CBN introduced its primary slogan, “In the Service of the Filipino”, but later in 1992, it added “Worldwide” as a secondary use.
ABS-CBN salutes the Filipino Athletes in the 1991 Southeast Asian Games (albeit they covered the event, that's because PTV-4 Channel 4 exclusively covered the aforementioned event) But anyway, As a publicity tactic, the Kapamilya network unveiled a lineup of shows.
In 10 years since its return, the logo did not change greatly, although in 1996, the 50th corporate anniversary of ABS-CBN, saw a slight modification to the logo that made the symbol resemble what would be its design on the next logo. Not to mention, it basically retained much of the facets of the 1968 design.
The logo was given a major revamp on January 1, 2000, with the dawn of the new millennium. ABS-CBN also introduced its new branding "Kapamilya" in the same year. The said branding became prominently used as its official monicker during the network's 50th anniversary in 2003.
In 2002, Finance Asia ranked ABS-CBN as the 8th best-managed company in the Philippines in its "Asia's Best Companies 2002" survey. The survey covers the performance of the top companies in 10 countries in Asia. Finance Asia polled institutional investors and equity analysts for this survey. In the same year, ABS-CBN was started to broadcast in full stereo.
Despite officially being replaced in 2010, ABS-CBN’s 2000 logo continued to appear in various forms. It was used as an on-screen bug until October 30, 2015, during sign-on and sign-off until March 23, 2016, and in the openings of some shows until 2018, with Wansapanataym being the last. The logo also appeared in the network's programming blocks, inside its headquarters, on microphones, service vehicles, plaques, and employee IDs.
“A vertical line representing a transmitter tower signifies our core business of broadcasting. Three rings stand for the network's presence in the lives of Filipinos, here, there and everywhere. A crystal plane denotes ABS-CBN's dynamic spirit. Below it, the network's call letters merge and graphically underscore our mission of being In the Service of the Filipino wherever he may be.”
— Eugenio Lopez III
(Taken from "ABS-CBN Worldwide Celebration of the New Millennium" TV special aired last December 31, 1999)
It was also the ABS-CBN’s main terrestrial channel that witnessed major news events unfolding into the new millennium, including the grand ABS-CBN worldwide celebration of the new millennium from December 31, 1999 to January 1, 2000, the Sipadan hostage crisis in Sabah, Malaysia and Jolo, Sulu from April 23, 2000 to September 19, 2000, the Senate impeachment trial of President Joseph Estrada from December 7, 2000, to January 16, 2001, and the peaceful Second EDSA Revolution or EDSA 2 on January 16 to 20, 2001, that ousted President Joseph Estrada and installed Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo into office.
Over the years, ABS-CBN has expanded its reach beyond free-to-air radio and television, embracing the digital age and establishing a strong online presence. It has created a platform that allows its audience to access their favorite shows and news content conveniently through various digital platforms.
In 2007, ABS-CBN dominated the television scene with an impressive lineup of shows that captured the hearts and minds of viewers across the Philippines. In fact, according to Kantar Media Philippines, a leading media research firm, eighteen out of the top twenty highest-rated TV shows that year were produced and aired by ABS-CBN.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to the network’s commitment to delivering top-notch entertainment and engaging content that resonates with the audience. From thought-provoking dramas to entertaining variety shows, ABS-CBN showcased a diverse range of programs that catered to the diverse interests and preferences of Filipino viewers.
The success of ABS-CBN’s shows can be attributed to many factors, including talented actors and actresses who brought their characters to life, creative writers who penned compelling storylines, and skilled directors who beautifully translated the scripts into visually captivating episodes. Additionally, the network’s dedication to quality production values and innovative storytelling techniques also played a significant role in captivating the audience and keeping them hooked.
Notable shows that captured the nation’s attention in 2007 included the heartwarming family drama “Princess Sarah,” the thrilling action series “Lastikman,” and the beloved romantic comedy “My Girl.” These shows not only provided entertainment but also sparked meaningful conversations and touched upon relevant social issues, making them not just forms of escapism but also powerful instruments for change.
ABS-CBN’s dominance in 2007 showcased the network’s ability to consistently produce high-quality programming that resonates with viewers of all ages and backgrounds. It was a year that solidified ABS-CBN’s position as the leading television network in the Philippines, a legacy that continues to this day.
So, whether it was through tear-jerking plot twists, laugh-out-loud moments, or heartwarming stories of love and friendship, ABS-CBN’s shows in 2007 left an indelible mark in the hearts of millions of Filipinos, reminding us of the power of storytelling to connect and unite us all.
On ABS-CBN’s dominance, Jimenez claims that current TV surveys are flawed. He says he does not want to chase higher ratings by following Channel 2 into the realm of “tabloid programming” — sex, crime, violence and gore. “We serve God and humanity through programs that promote faith and values in the communities we serve,” he says. Adds GMA executive vice president Roberto Barreiro: “We try to strike a balance between profit and responsibility.” The network has won the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC)’s Star Awards for Television for best station for most balanced and responsible network for nine consecutive years. In 1997, it also bagged the Advertising Board’s first Golden Pearl Best Station Award. “People appreciate our balanced news reporting and public affairs programs so that even if we are not rating as well as our closest competitor, we are getting the advertising support,” says Jimenez.
“We have the more balanced programming — news, current affairs, sports, entertainment, drama, some comedy,” retorts Garcia, now ABS-CBN president and chief operating officer. “It shows in our higher ratings and bigger reach.” He adds that about 85% of the network’s programs are locally made, “the biggest ratio in the industry.” That, Garcia explains, “gives us the edge in controlling costs.” The station, for instance, has trimmed shooting time for a local drama episode to two days, from two and a half. “With foreign programs,” Garcia notes, “you cannot negotiate the price down.” Given a rival in Channel 7, “we’re not complacent.”
In 2009, ABS-CBN began revising its 2000–2009 logo. Executives, including Maria Rosario Bartolome and Robert Labayen, reviewed the brand's visual identity, exploring hundreds of designs. FutureBrand, a Singapore-based firm, was chosen to craft the new logo, which was finalized as a slightly modified version of the 2000 design. This logo was introduced on September 9, 2009, and became the primary logo on January 1, 2010.
The former media giant cited TeleRadyo’s financial losses since 2020 after the Duterte administration ordered the network to cease its broadcast operations.
“TeleRadyo has been incurring financial losses since 2020. Since ABS-CBN can no longer sustain TeleRadyo’s operations, ABS-CBN is left with no choice but to cease the operations of TeleRadyo effective 30 June 2023 to prevent further losses,” the publicly-listed company had said.
I apologize for the brevity of my last answer. Allow me to provide you with a more elaborate response.
In a rather unfortunate series of events, a total of 68 TeleRadyo employees will be displaced by the closure. This highly significant workforce reduction serves as a somber reminder of the continuing financial difficulties that the Lopez-led media and entertainment company has been grappling with. With the closure of TeleRadyo, the number of employees affected reaches an alarming scale.
It is indeed disheartening to witness the repercussions of the Duterte administration’s stance and the House of Representatives’ decision to deny ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal. This pivotal moment in the company’s history led to widespread ramifications, and unfortunately, around half of ABS-CBN’s 11,000 workforce lost their jobs on August 31, 2020.
The aftermath of this significant event not only symbolizes the loss of livelihood for numerous hardworking individuals but also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by media organizations in today’s evolving landscape. As technology continues to shape the way we consume information and entertainment, traditional media outlets must adapt to changing times and find innovative ways to sustain their operations.
The closure of TeleRadyo marks a poignant chapter in ABS-CBN’s journey, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing media industry. As we reflect on the plight of those affected by these developments, it is crucial to acknowledge their dedication and contributions to the company’s success.
We can only hope that these challenging circumstances will pave the way for new opportunities and a renaissance of media diversity, where both traditional and emerging platforms can coexist, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive media landscape for the benefit of all.
Once again, I apologize for the initial brevity of my response and hope that this expanded explanation provides a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.
ABS-CBN, one of the biggest media networks in the Philippines, faced significant challenges in recent years. The network encountered a major setback in 2020 when it lost its presence on free-to-air TV and radio due to the non-renewal of its franchise. This development severely impacted the company’s financial performance, leading to a substantial net loss of ₱ 13.5 billion for the year.
Unfortunately, ABS-CBN’s financial struggles continued in the following years. The network has been operating in the red, facing the daunting task of managing its enormous debt while striving to regain its competitive position in the industry. While the net losses have shown a declining trend, with ₱ 5.6 billion in 2021 and ₱ 2.6 billion in 2022, the path to recovery remains challenging.
These financial challenges have forced ABS-CBN to make difficult decisions and implement various cost-cutting measures to sustain its operations. The company has focused on streamlining its business strategies, exploring new revenue streams, and optimizing its digital platforms to adapt to the evolving media landscape. ABS-CBN has also invested in producing original content for its streaming services and expanding its presence in the online market to reach a wider audience.
Despite the setbacks, ABS-CBN continues to be a prominent media entity with a rich history of delivering quality entertainment, news, and public service to millions of Filipinos. The company remains committed to its mission of serving the Filipino people and addressing their diverse needs through relevant and engaging content.
As ABS-CBN navigates the complexities of the media industry and strives to regain its financial stability, it enters a period of transformation and adaptation. With its strong brand and dedicated workforce, there is hope that ABS-CBN will overcome these challenges and emerge as a resilient and thriving media organization once again.
It has had to sign various deals with its former competitors, GMA Network, Inc. and MediaQuest Holdings, Inc.’s TV5 Network, Inc., in order to survive.
The primetime drama series of two networks were pushed back for up to two hours.
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