Stronger news & commentary shows on NEWS5

MANILA, Philippines - Since its inception two years ago, NEWS5, the news and information arm of TV5, has raised the bar in broadcasting when it introduced many firsts in broadcast journalism and public service. For example, RESCUE5, its emergency response unit, has consistently been active in responding to disasters and natural calamities. During operations, RESCUE5 utilizes its well-trained personnel to help in operations with the team’s own rubber boat and specialized crew cab units which can withstand high flooding and trek uphill locations.

NEWS5 also pioneered the most-advanced weather news delivery in the country through its partnership with Metra Weather System, the leading provider of weather graphics presentation systems.

With all its broadcasting innovations, NEWS5 has developed a significant following. TV5’s early primetime news program Aksyon bannered by Erwin Tulfo and Cheryl Cosim found a niche that makes it competitive alongside the usual 6 p.m. fare. Considering its year-on-year index (culled from Nielsen Media Research NuTAM data), Aksyon was able to triple its viewership from 584,076 (2010) to 1,503,016 (2011). Its viewership in the current year remains stable and is expected to see a spike in the latter half of the year with 1,259,963 viewers (January to July). NEWS5 Chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes owes the success of Aksyon to its viewers: “The way I see it, we now have a bigger place for news because our audience believes that we deliver more than what we promise. Our Higit sa Balita, Aksyon thrust has evolved to a call to remain vigilant and informed.”

NEWS5 strengthens its news and public service delivery block starting with T3 Reload: Kapatiran ng Serbisyo Publiko at 5:30 p.m. beginning today. A pre-programming of AKSYON, the news program anchored by Tulfo brothers Raffy, Ben and Erwin takes public service to a whole new level. Throughout their respective careers, the Tulfo brothers cemented a very strong image of calling out erring public officials and criminals. With the integration of their respective programs Tutok Tulfo, Wanted and Bitag, the Tulfo brothers continue to guard consumer welfare and rights, lead crime exposés and prevention and advocate issues concerning women and children. Viewers will see them in the field, tackling public concerns head on. T3 will also introduce video clip segments Anlabo and Bidyolante that may show videos generated from its concerned viewers.

In the same light, NEWS5 recognizes that the most compelling stories are no longer confined to traditional sources so the news arm presents the latest from all platforms via late-night newscast Pilipinas News. Anchored by Paolo, Cherie Mercado and Jove Francisco, Pilipinas News (P-News) gives a full and balanced account of all that is happening in and around the country on weeknights at 11:30. The national late-night newscast goes beyond the traditional forms of news delivery. It offers a critical perspective on the day’s news and even outlines solutions that seek to alleviate pressing concerns. As Filipinos grow tired and weary of bad news and political deadlock, P-News will aim to deliver untold stories of citizens finding ways to better their lives and impact on the lives of others.

Immediately after P-News, NEWS5 is set to introduce another first-of-its kind format that mixes commentary and in-depth reports on the day’s headlines. Hosted by Cruz-Valdes, Reaksyon will widen people’s knowledge of the news with first-hand insights from NEWS5’s pool of journos starting Aug. 13. At a time when news tends to clutter the public’s awareness, Reaksyon answers the question: “So what?” The ground-breaking program will also deliver exposés, investigative reports and additional information that leave viewers clearly informed. The weekly dose of news and information comes Saturdays after The Jose and Wally Show and Sundays after Third Eye.