Duterte wants PTV-4 transformed into public service broadcaster

MANILA, Philippines – President Duterte is pushing for a law that will transform state-run television station PTV-4 into a public service broadcaster to ensure its independence and make it at par with international networks.

A public service broadcaster is usually funded by taxpayers’ money but it is insulated from government, political and commercial pressures.

The United Nations has been supportive of efforts to establish public service broadcasters as they provide audience access to independent news reports and diverse views. 

Duterte said the transformation of PTV-4 would enable the network to attain editorial independence through “innovative programs and intelligent treatment and analysis” of news reports and important events.

“To better manage public information, a law should be passed. I’m addressing Congress to create the People’s Broadcasting Corp. (PBC), replacing PTV-4, the government-run TV station, which now aims to replicate international government broadcasting networks,” the President said during his first State of the Nation Address last Monday.

Duterte said representatives from the British Broadcasting Corp. are set to visit the Philippines soon to train employees of government-run channels.

“The government’s Bureau of Broadcast Services, better known as Radyo ng Bayan, shall also undergo upgrading to make it financially viable and dependable for accurate, independent and enlightening news and commentary. Radyo ng Bayan will be integrated with the PBC,” he added.

Proposals to transform PTV-4 into a public service broadcaster have been floated as early as 2005, but these were not carried out due to limited resources and other priorities of previous administrations.

Duterte also bared plans to set up a Presidential Communications Satellite Office in Davao City and to establish the country’s first Muslim and lumad channels.