A Kapamilya Day inside ABS-CBN News

For many Filipinos, keeping up with the news nowadays means changing screens and using different gadgets. People can also watch a TV newscast while scrolling on their phones.

So, how does ABS-CBN News keep pace with the changing viewers’ habits while making sure its journalism remains relevant, useful and credible?

That was at the heart of “Kapamilya Day,” when ABS-CBN welcomed members of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Philippines and their guests for a closer look at how news is produced and brought to audiences today.

ABS-CBN News head Francis Toral led an engaging discussion on the changing news media landscape. She explained the organization’s digital-first approach and how its expanding roster of digital shows is attracting younger audiences alongside its flagship “TV Patrol” newscast.

ANC anchor and broadcast journalist Karmina Constantino greets members of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Philippines during their Kapamilya Day activity at the ABS-CBN compound.

Among them is “Philippines’ Most Shocking Stories,” which Francis highlighted as ABS-CBN News’ most-watched digital show. Now on its fourth season, the series revisits crimes, mysteries and tragedies that gripped the country, piecing together timelines, accounts and journalists’ insights to tell the fuller story behind the headlines.

Francis also introduced “Reel Talk,” “NXT,” “Patrol ng Pilipino” and “Ibang Level ’To with Melai Cantiveros and MJ Felipe” to show the different ways ABS-CBN News tells its stories and connects with new audiences.

ANC head Baroy Morga shared the cable news channel’s own digital pivot, discussing its leading programs and introducing newer offerings such as “The Boardroom,” “Startup with Ron Cruz,” “Succession,” “Life+” and “Think Possible.”

ABS-CBN News head Francis Toral talks about the current media landscape and the various innovations her team has been implementing.

Meanwhile, DZMM head of current affairs and public service Franco Reyes explained how its programs reach people across AM radio, television, digital and social media.

The studio visits brought these discussions to life. At the “TV Patrol” studio, guests learned about the production of a television newscast. At the DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo booth, they observed Amy Perez on air and saw how a live radio program comes together.

Broadcast journalist Karmina Constantino and resident meteorologist and weather news anchor Ariel Rojas also dropped by to meet the group.

For PR practitioners, understanding how newsrooms work and how audiences consume news is essential to communicating relevant, accurate information.

Resident meteorologist Ariel Rojas extends his warm greetings to the members of the IPRA Philippines.

IPRA Philippines chair Claire Papa captured the spirit of the visit when she told our Kapamilya colleagues, “Maraming salamat dahil sa napakaraming pagbabago, your heart has stayed the same, naglilingkod in the service of the Filipino.”

IPRA Philippines, which has been active for more than five decades, brings together practitioners from corporate, agency, government and other institutions. It shares their experience through the weekly PR Matters column and the “PR Matters” book launched in 2023.

That effort now extends to social media. Through short videos on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, “PR Matters” explains communication basics, draws lessons from real-life cases and offers practical advice for everyday online interactions.

Both organizations are finding new ways to meet audiences where they are. And our “Kapamilya Day” was a welcome opportunity to learn from each other.