News reports say that a general assembly among CNN Philippines’ staff, employees, and executives will happen on Monday, January 29, 2024. Will this be an end of an era for the predominantly English-language news channel on free-to-air television in the country?
Will CNN Philippines go on air?
CNN Philippines is the only predominantly English-language news channel on free-to-air television in the Philippines.
Yesterday, January 25, 2024, the news spread that the operation of the station will only be until the end of January.
This news first appeared on Media Newser Philippines, a website that focuses on television news in the country.
According to the website, Nine Media Corporation and CNN have agreed to end their licensing agreement due to losses.
Nine Media Corp., formerly known as Solar Television Network, Inc. (STNI), owns and operates CNN Philippines.
The said contract should end at the end of 2024 but Nine Media Corp. is said to be unable to do so. to sustain it.
The report states, “Additionally, the financial strain has been heightened by the lack of ad placement, adding to the overall difficulties for Nine Media in minimizing the losses. Ultimately, we were told, the best move is to shut down the network.”
It is said that employees and staff will receive separation pay.
The station’s top talents Pia Hontiveros, Pinky Webb, and Rico Hizon have also been told that they can now negotiate with another station.
The station will reportedly be returned to RPN-9, for the time being.
OTHER SOURCES
GMA News Online also released the same news Thursday night.
Some CNN Philippines personnel are said to fear for their jobs after the Media Newser report came out.
The station has a memo to their staff that there will be a general assembly on Monday, January 29, 2024.
But nothing is said to be on the agenda.
In addition to the report, they may only be broadcasting until Monday, but someone said that they will be on the air until March 2024.
Pirmado raw ito ng CNN Philippines president na si Benjamin Ramos.
May nakausap din silang “unnamed CNN Philippines employee” na nagsabing, “The brand licensing agreement of CNN Philippines is set to expire by the end of 2024, but there are rumors that our operations would only be until March. There’s also that hearsay that our last airing would be on Monday.
“From what we know as of now, CNN Philippines and Nine Media Corp. have agreed not to renew the licensing agreement with CNN International because the company could not afford the required amount. Nine Media Corp. incurs losses, and until now it’s trying to reduce the losses, but it appears it is not enough.”
Dagdag pa ng kanilang source, kapag hindi na-renew ang licensing agreement, babalik sa operasyon ang istasyon bilang Radio Philippines Network (RPN) o di kaya ay magkakaroon ng partnership sa TV5.
Saad niya, “Worst that could happen is total shutdown. People would lose their jobs, including mine. And all we’ll get, by accepting the sad fate, is separation pay.”
Nilinaw naman ng kanilang source na hindi pa ito kumpirmado at masasagot lamang ang lahat ng ito sa kanilang general assembly.
BLACK CNN PHILIPPINES LOGO?
May cryptic post naman ang reporter ng CNN Philippines na si Tristan Nodalo, kagabi rin.
New profile picture ang nakalagay sa kanyang X account.
Makikita rito ang black logo ng CNN Philippines. Wala siyang nilagay na caption.
