ABS-CBN takes digital pivot

Kapamilya online live launched

MANILA, Philippines — ABS-CBN is going full blast with its digital pivot as it brings more of its content to the digital space three months after going off the air and a month after being denied of a new franchise to broadcast.

In a statement yesterday, ABS-CBN said it was making the pivot from broadcast to livestreaming with the launch of Kapamilya Online Live “to meet the Filipino audiences’ growing demand for content online.”

ABS-CBN will be streaming its new and well-loved programs on its Facebook and YouTube accounts, which have over 50 million followers and subscribers combined.

With Kapamilya Online Live, ABS-CBN said viewers would now have a new option to view its programs outside the Kapamilya Channel on cable and satellite TV which started last June.

ABS-CBN chief operating officer for broadcast Cory Vidanes said the launch of Kapamilya Online Live demonstrates the company’s commitment to remain in the service of the Filipino regardless of the situation.

“By livestreaming our shows on our Facebook and YouTube accounts for free without any subscription fees, we hope to be able to reach more Filipinos and stay true to our promise to continue to serve Filipinos in whatever way we can,” Vidanes said.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN News will continue to house news programs “TV Patrol” and “The World Tonight” on its Facebook page with 20 million followers, and YouTube channel with 9.83 million subscribers.

With Kapamilya Online Live, ABS-CBN said it is poised to make an impact on the media landscape again, similar to what it did in broadcasting.

It said this also marks another milestone in ABS-CBN’s digital transformation that began in recent years as audiences continued to consume more and more content online.

The company also operates the streaming service iWant, which boasts of the largest library of Filipino content and with over 11 million subscribers.

ABS-CBN likewise was the first to respond to the government’s mandate to shift to digital TV broadcast with the launch of the ABS-CBN TVplus in 2015.

The company earlier said it would focus on businesses that do not require a legislative franchise, including digital channels, cable, international licensing and distribution, and production of content for various streaming services.

ABS-CBN went off the air on May 5 in compliance with a cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission following the expiration of the network’s franchise.

Last July 10, the House committee on legislative franchises denied the network’s bid for a new franchise.