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{{short description|Philippine television network}}
{{Refimprove|date=May 2010}}
{{pp-sock|small=yes}}
{{Infobox broadcasting network|
{{Use Philippine English|date=September 2022}}
network_name = ''Radio Philippines Network<br>(RPN)''|
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2020}}
network_logo = ]<br>]|
{{More citations needed|date=May 2013}}
country = ]|
{{Infobox company |
network_type = ] ] and ]|
| name = Radio Philippines Network
slogan = ''Kung Saan Lahat Panalo!''|
| logo = RPN-TV logo.svg
owner = Philippine Government, Radio Philippines Network, Inc. (Airtime ] by ])|
| logo_size = 200px
key_people = Antonio Albano, President and CEO<br> Atty. Jess Anthony Yu, General Manager|
| logo_caption = Logo used 1982 - 1989 and again since 1996
founder = ]|
| type = ]
launch_date = June 29, 1960|
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1960|06|29|mf=yes}}<ref name="rpnaboutus">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://rpnradio.com/about-us/ |publisher=Radio Philippines Network |access-date=29 July 2020}}</ref>
past_names = Kanlaon Broadcasting System (1960-1975)<br />C/S9 (2008-2009)|
| location = RPN Compound, #97 Panay Avenue, Brgy. South Triangle, ], ], ]<ref name="rpnaboutus" />
website = http://www.solartv.ph <br> http://www.rpn9.com|
| industry = ] ] and ]
language = ] (main)<br>]| (secondary)
| key_people = {{Plainlist|
* Benjamin Ramos (president and CEO)
* D. Edgard A. Cabangon (chairman of the board)
}} }}
| predecessor = Kanlaon Broadcasting System (1968–1975)
| revenue =
| net_income =
| num_employees =
| owner = {{Plainlist|
* ]<ref name="ALC-RPN">{{cite news |url=https://business.inquirer.net/177106/cabangon-chua-group-set-to-take-over-rpn-9 |title=Cabangon-Chua group set to take over RPN-9 |date=August 21, 2014 |access-date=August 21, 2014}}</ref> (34%)
* Far East Managers and Investors (32%)
* ] (20%)
* Private stock (14%)
}}
| homepage = {{URL|www.rpnradio.com}}
}}

{{Infobox broadcasting network
| network_name = Radio Philippines Network
| network_logo = RPN-TV logo.svg
| caption =
| country = ]
| network_type = ] ] ] and ]
| available = National
| area = ]
| owner = {{Plainlist|
* ]<ref name="ALC-RPN">{{cite news |url=https://business.inquirer.net/177106/cabangon-chua-group-set-to-take-over-rpn-9 |title=Cabangon-Chua group set to take over RPN-9 |date=August 21, 2014 |access-date=August 21, 2014}}</ref> (34%)
* ] (20%)
* Far East Managers and Investors (32%)
* Private Stock (14%)
}}
| parent =
| key_people = {{Plainlist|
* Benjamin Ramos (president and CEO)
* D. Edgard A. Cabangon (chairman of the board)
}}
| founded = {{start date and age|1960|06|29|mf=yes}}<ref name="rpnaboutus" />
| founder = ]
| launch_date = June 19, 1960 (radio) <br/> October 15, 1969 (television)
| Picture format = ] (])
| past_names = {{Plainlist|
* Kanlaon Broadcasting System<br />{{small|(1960–1975)}}
* New Vision 9<br />{{small|(1989–1994)}}
}}
| website = {{URL|www.rpnradio.com}}
| affiliation = {{Plainlist|
* ] (Crime/Suspense) <br />{{small|(2008)}}
* ]<br />{{small|(2008&ndash;2009)}}
* ]<br />{{small|(2009–2011)}}
* ]<br />{{small|(2011–2013)}}
* ]<br />{{small|(2013–2014)}}
* ]<br />{{small|(2014&ndash;2015)}}
* ]<br />{{small|(2015–2024)}}
* ]<br />{{small|(2024–present)}}
}}
| language = Filipino<br>English
}}

'''Radio Philippines Network, Inc. (RPN)''' is a Philippine ] based in ]. It is currently owned through majority share by ] of the ALC Group of Companies; along with the ] (PCO), Far East Managers and Investors Inc. (owned by the family of ]), and other private sectors. The network's main offices and flagship ] is located at Panay Avenue, Brgy. South Triangle also in ]. Founded by James Lindenberg, and prior to its privatization, it was the sister network of current government owned and controlled ]; both networks were sequestered after the 1986 ], and formerly an attached agency of the now-PCO, which retained 20% of RPN's non-controlling shares following privatization.


Radio Philippines Network operates television stations with airtime being leased by its parent Nine Media and content provider ], serving as primary broadcasters of ''']'''. RPN also operates regional AM radio stations under the brand '''Radyo Ronda''', serving as partial affiliate of sister station ] in Metro Manila.
'''Radio Philippines Network, Inc. (RPN)''' is a ] ] in the ] owned by the Government Communications Group, with programming managed by the ], a Filipino media company. The network was previously known as the '''Radio Philippines Network''', which remains the legal name of the network. This station studios are located at ], Old Balara, Capitol Hills, ], ], with transmitters at Panay Avenue, ]. Founded by the late Roberto Benedicto, the TV network is the sister network of ].


==History== ==History==
===As the Kanlaon Broadcasting System=== ===As Kanlaon Broadcasting System (1960–1975)===
==== Early years (1960–1972) ====
RPN was launched and granting the first broadcasting franchise on June 29, 1960 as the ''Kanlaon Broadcasting System'' (KBS). ] is a volcano on the Philippine island of ], the home of Benedicto. Once granted, KBS first became a radio network with its first radio station in ], DZBI. In 1967, KBS had grown into a full network, with 7 radio station all over the country, In 1969, KBS-9 Manila and KBS-12 Baguio started, KBS Television was launched as the home of the first state-of-the art superior color transmission in the ] dubbed Toshiba Accucolor and the first use of the Outside Broadcast Van.
Radio Philippines Network was founded on February 25, 1960, by ], who was also credited as the founder of ].<ref>{{cite news |date=June 22, 2020 |title=At 91, Atty. Jake Almeda-Lopez is still fighting for ABS-CBN, the media company he helped shape |url=https://news2.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/06/22/20/at-91-atty-jake-almeda-lopez-is-still-fighting-for-abs-cbn-the-media-company-he-helped-shape |accessdate=February 6, 2024 |publisher=ANCX}}</ref><ref name="rpnaboutus" /> RPN was officially established when the ] approved its franchise on June 19, 1960.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 June 1960 |title=Republic Act 2980 |url=https://thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/republic-acts/ra-no-2980.php}}</ref>


RPN initially operated as a radio network, with its first station, DZBI, based in ]. By 1967, it had expanded to seven radio stations nationwide, including DZRR and DZAX in Manila, DZBS in ], DZTG in ], DZRL in ] (later relocated to ]), DXXX in ], and DXDX in ]. Ben Aniceto served as operations director during this time.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 21, 2016 |title=ABS-CBN's post-EDSA boss Ben Aniceto passes away |url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/03/21/16/abs-cbns-post-edsa-boss-ben-aniceto-passes-away |access-date=March 21, 2016 |publisher=]}}</ref>
===As the Radio Philippines Network===
In 1975, KBS re-launched as RPN the Radio Philippines Network. Special coverages like the Olympics, Thrilla in Manila (in 1975) and the Miss Universe coverage and Programs such as '']'', '']'' (which starred the then-rising star ]), and '']'' (featuring "superstar" ]) helped boost the network's popularity. The network also became well-known for its daytime variety show '']'' (premiering in 1979, still airing as of 2010 on ]), its nightly newscast '']'', and for being one of the first Philippine broadcasters to broadcast ] programming, alongside other imports from the United States. RPN-9 is the first network to cover the ] games live. In 1980, RPN-9 broadcasts primetime programs and the noontime show Eat Bulaga! (in 1982) thru it's new domestic satellite technology.


In the late 1960s, Lindenberg sold the network to ]. The network rebranded as the Kanlaon Broadcasting System (KBS), named after Mount ] on the island of Negros, Benedicto’s hometown. On October 15, 1969, the network launched its flagship television station, ] Manila.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1970-71-TV-Factbook/TV-Factbook-1970-71.pdf |title=Television Factbook |date=1970 |publisher=Television Digest, Inc. |chapter=International TV Directory |via=World Radio History}}</ref> ] Baguio followed later that year.
===Government sequestration and New Vision 9===
After the 1986 ], the stock and assets of RPN, ] and ]'s BBC-2 were sequestered by the ] (PCGG). President ] awarded BBC, through an executive order, to ], and RPN's and IBC's assets were turned over to the Government Communications Group. During this period, the network lost much of its viewership to GMA and ABS-CBN. By 1989, some of RPN's programming such as ''John en Marsha'', ''Student Canteen'', and ''Superstar'' were cancelled, and ]'s daytime programs ''Eat Bulaga!'', '']''. and '']'' moved to ABS-CBN under a co-production agreement. In 1989, the network relaunched as "New Vision 9", but later fell into a ratings slump due the resurgence of ABS-CBN and the recent re-launch of GMA Network. However, the network quickly re-gained its footing in 1996 when it began to broadcast the Mexican ] '']'', which quickly became a popular program for the network,


KBS's initial properties and equipment came from ABS-CBN, including its old headquarters and studios on Roxas Boulevard, along with Toshiba equipment that enabled color broadcasting. As a result, it was branded as ''Accucolor 9'', becoming the first Philippine television network to broadcast in full color.
===Partnership with Solar===
]
On March 11, 2007, RPN began a partnership with the ], an operator of a number of cable channels in the country. The company began co-producing new programming for the network, such as a ] of '']''. The network underwent management changes on December 24, 2007, as Tonypet Albano (undersecretary and executive director of Malacañang's Office of Political Coalition Affairs and Deputy Spokesperson of ]) was appointed chairman of the network (replacing Education Undersecretary Mona Valisno, incumbent Presidential Assistant for Education). Undersecretary Robert Rivera was appointed director of the board, while the president and chief executive officer became former senator ].<ref></ref>


In 1970, KBS acquired a color-capable ] for remote broadcasts of major events, including news and sports coverage. The network also launched ], replacing the short-lived ''KBS Eyewitness Reports''. During this period, broadcast hours were limited to late afternoons until around midnight, Monday through Saturday, with transmissions starting after midday on Sundays.
Mercado's first major move was to expand their partnerships with Solar Entertainment. Programming from Solar's cable network ] was added to RPN's lineup at the beginning of the new year, and ] basketball would also return to the network beginning in the 2008-09 season, as part of a three year contract with ] after an intense bidding war with ].<ref name="PBA">{{cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=SOLAR SPORTS BAGS 3-YEAR PBA TV DEAL |url=http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2133/1/ |work= |publisher= |date=2008-05-27 |accessdate=2008-05-27 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080528062320/http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2133/1/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Zean |last=Macamay |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Solar gets it |url=http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-05-28&sec=7&aid=61130 |work= |publisher=] |date=2008-05-28 |accessdate=2008-06-02 }}</ref>


By 1971, KBS had established itself as an all-color network, operating ten provincial stations located in Baguio (KBS-12), Laoag (]), Bicol (KBS-10 in Iriga), Iloilo (], Bacolod (]), Cebu (KBS-9 in ]), Davao (KBS-4), General Santos (KBS-7), and Butuan (KBS-4), in addition to its flagship station, ] Manila.
In October 2008, RPN's stations ultimately took on the C/S name as part of their permanent branding, and rebranded itself as '''C/S 9'''. On November 29, 2009, the network re-branded again under the new name '''Solar TV'''.


==== Martial law KBS years and ABS-CBN takeover (1972–1975) ====
There were many plans that the Philippine government can offer to sell and privatize RPN and it's sister station IBC.<ref> ''ABS-CBNnews.com.'' 2010-08-10. Retrieved 2010-08-10.</ref>
On September 23, 1972, the KBS television and radio stations and the newspaper publication '']'', all belonging to the ] group, were allowed to operate during the martial law period with the former airing '']'' and ]'s reading of ], where most of the media outfits were closed down after the declaration of ] with Proclamation No. 1081 by ].

On September 28, 1972, Marcos ordered the takeover of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation and turned over its facilities to KBS, controlled by Benedicto. ABS-CBN's facilities were later transferred from KBS to the government-owned ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2021-10-13 |title=The Marcos Regime and the Making of a Subservient Philippine Press: Part I |url=https://hrvvmemcom.gov.ph/the-marcos-regime-and-the-making-of-a-subservient-philippine-press-part-i-2/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Human Rights Violations Victims' Memorial Commission |language=en-US}}</ref> Crony-owned media companies broadcast or published news and entertainment meant to project a positive image for the dictatorship and conceal its abuses.<ref name=":0" />

In 1973, RPN brought the first slow-motion production machine to support the live coverage of the ] basketball games.<ref>{{cite news|title=RPN 9 to mark 39th year|url=https://news.google.com.ph/newspapers?id=d6EVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WgsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6605%2C937901|newspaper=]|access-date=January 11, 2020|date=June 6, 1996}}</ref> Color production with color-ready equipment would enable the government to invest in RPN for color coverages of national events, as then state network GTV (now ]), which began two years later after the beginning of martial law, was mostly monochrome before its first color broadcasts in 1976. In 1974, the KBS network grew with the opening of more stations in Tuguegarao (KBS-9), Bayombong (KBS-7), Legazpi (KBS-2), Palawan (KBS-5), Roxas (KBS-7), Dumaguete (KBS-5 moved to RPN-8), Tacloban (KBS-5), Zamboanga (]), Dipolog (KBS-5), Pagadian (KBS-5), Ozamiz (KBS-13), Cagayan de Oro (]), Surigao (KBS-4) and Cotabato (KBS-10).

===The first Radio Philippines Network (1975–1989)===
====Benedicto ownership (1975–1986)====
In 1975, KBS formally relaunched as RPN, the acronym for its franchise name, Radio Philippines Network (the RPN name was first used in the provincial stations before the RPN brand would later be used for the Manila station as well; the KBS name was also used for other aspects such as KBS Sports until 1986). The network covered special events such as the ] (it is also the first sporting coverage to broadcast in full color), ] in 1975; and also became the official broadcaster for the ] pageant held in Manila in 1974, and the first ] and its succeeding editions from 1978. The network also headlined some top-rated programs such as '']'' (which both the media and academe regarded the show as the paradigm of development communication), ''Flordeluna'' and '']'' (formerly known as ''The Nora Aunor-Eddie Peregrina Show''). RPN became the birthplace and the first humble abode of the now longest running daytime variety show '']'' (premiering in 1979); as well as the longest running game show on Philippine television '']'' hosted by ] (originally aired on ] then ]); the latter program had enjoyed its successful 38 year run until it finally pulled the plug during the ]. The network also pioneered the use of computer graphics for their program plugs and station IDs. It also became the only network in the country known for its broadcasts of its easily recognizable digital clock embedded on the lower left part of the screen during the entire broadcast day except for newscasts, commercials, continuity plugs, station ID, and during sign-off. It eventually became the centerpiece of the network's broadcasts for 32 years (starting in 1975), and viewers have been setting their watches and clocks to RPN through the years, until it was abandoned at the end of 2007. After the fire that razed its first studios on June 6, 1973, RPN moved to the Broadcast Plaza (now ]) in the same year, and to its current ] home in July 1978, alongside sister networks ] (BBC) and ] (IBC).

RPN also aired ] programming (making them one of the first to do so in the country) and imported and syndicated programs from the ]. RPN is the first network to cover the ] games live in 1975 (and 1977), before the broadcasts moved on to BBC in 1976.

On January 15, 1980, RPN began to broadcast primetime programs through its new domestic satellite technology (DOMSAT) in which the 1980s logo resembles a satellite antenna.<ref>Roa, J. N. (September 25, 1982). RPN-9 CEBU: THE LEADER. (M. S. Jr., Ed.) Vistas Weekly, pp. 32–33. Retrieved May 10, 2019.</ref> On May 18, 1982, ''Eat Bulaga!'' was also included to the list of the network's DOMSAT-simulcast programs. This made RPN the first national network to achieve nationwide program simulcasting via satellite in 24 TV stations across the Philippines.

The network also became home to, from 1978 up to the early 1980s, the Super Sentai series (making it the first in the Philippines to do so, becoming a pioneer in broadcasting ] and ] programs in the country in the process). These made it a reason for the network in 1982 to adopt ''The Leader'' as its official slogan, coupled with its Number 9 and the red corporate logos (the latter which is still the current logo of the network up to this day), due to its massive successes as the nation's number one network. In 1986, after the assumption of office of President ], the government sequestered Radio Philippines Network for allegedly being part of the ] under the Marcos regime. By then, it was the leading network in the Philippines cornering the highest audience share in the entire country. During the live broadcast of Marcos' inauguration from the ] during the last day of the People Power Revolution, rebels shut down the RPN transmitter in Panay Avenue, and it resumed broadcasts again on March 3, 1986.

====First downfall and sequestration (1986-1989)====
After the ] which ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos and installed ] as president in February 1986, the stock and assets of RPN, IBC and BBC were ] by the ] (PCGG). President ] awarded BBC's ] and its affiliates, through an executive order, to ], and RPN's and IBC's assets were turned over to the Government Communications Group and placed under the management of a Board of Administrators tasked to operate and manage its business and affairs subject to the control and supervision of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1986/04/08/executive-order-no-11-s-1986/|title=Executive Order No. 11, series 1986|website=]|date=April 8, 1986|access-date=July 7, 2020}}</ref>

The period saw a major decline for RPN as its resources became outdated and endured major mismanagement which led to the network either shutting down or selling its stations. From being number 1 in the ratings, RPN's ratings slumped, due to the growth of ] and ], and more importantly as a result of ABS-CBN's meteoric rise to the number 1 spot in 1988.

During the post-EDSA Revolution era, RPN launched the first Filipino-created animated series, Ang Panday. By 1989, some of RPN's programming such as ''John en Marsha'' and ''Superstar'' were cancelled, and ]'s daytime programs ''Eat Bulaga!'', '']'' and '']'' (a co-production with Coney Reyes' CAN Television) moved under a co-production agreement to ABS-CBN, as they saw the resurgent network as a vital element in the sustaining of the three shows' success. By then, the once-dominant RPN had fallen to 4th place, trailing far behind ABS-CBN and GMA and locked in a losing battle with PTV for 3rd place.

===New Vision 9 (1989–1994)===
In October 8, 1989, RPN was renamed as New Vision 9 to recoup lost audience share in the ratings game of ] networks. At the same year, New Vision 9 transmitter's effective radiated power was increased to 1 million watts, ensuing clearer and better signal reception in the Greater Luzon Area. The rebrand took place after RPN and Syndicated Media Access Corporation (SMAC) took over the network's management and marketing. The rebranding, although it proved futile in the turnaround of RPN's ratings, did make history for the network as it pioneered 24-hour television broadcasting in the Philippines. During the latter part of the New Vision 9 era, its ratings further suffered at last place in primetime (behind ABS-CBN, GMA, ABC, IBC, and PTV). Worse yet, RPN's nationwide reach suffered as well as its TV network – In 1989 it composed 24 TV stations nationwide (8 originating stations and 16 Relay stations).

By then, RPN not only had to deal with the continued dominance of ABS-CBN and GMA, but also the return of another station shut down during martial law, ], and the onset of cable and UHF channels which started to eat up the audience shares of the least-watched networks.

===The second Radio Philippines Network (1994–2007)===
====Telenovela dominance, emphasis on world-class primetime programming (1994–2003)====
In 1994, New Vision 9 was renamed back as Radio Philippines Network (RPN) and in the same year, RPN became the second VHF television network in the Philippines to broadcast in ] (after ] introduced StereoVision in 1987). Following this, RPN managed to recover in primetime ratings, from being dead last in 1994 to fifth place in 1995, beating PTV (which by then suffered a major blow after losing the rights to one of its top-raters, the PBA games, to IBC). This, along with it being number 3 in daytime ratings, helped RPN to challenge ABC for third place in total day ratings.

In 1996, the network quickly regained its foothold when it began to broadcast a Tagalog dub of the 1994 Mexican ] '']'', which turned out to be a phenomenal success, and discombobulating the competition for some time.

The network became the driving force in Tagalog-dubbed foreign programs and movies and made the popular and turnaround its ratings on the evening prime time. Due to the success, the other networks followed and broadcast telenovelas not only from Mexico but also Spanish language telenovelas from the ], ] (GMA Network's '']''), ] (GMA Network's '']'' and '']'') and ] (GMA Network's '']'') and eventually even drama series from ] (ABS-CBN's '']'') and Asian drama series from ] (notably '']'') and ] (notably '']''). The network also became the home of the cream of the crop amongst the English language television programs around the world with its strong primetime programming line-up.

This lineup helped RPN maintain its overall 4th place standing in the ratings during the latter half of the 90s, despite later facing competition with UHF stations such as ABS-CBN's ], which offered more canned programs compared to most VHF stations. In 1999, RPN slid again to fifth place behind ABC, but managed to recover its 4th place standing the following year until early 2003.

====Second downfall (2003–2007)====
In the mid-2000s, a major network war in the ratings game ensued with the battle of the Taiwanese/Korean-language television series (which started through ABS-CBN's broadcast of Taiwanese series '']'') between the two leading networks, ABS-CBN and GMA, causing RPN into decline in the telenovelas battle.

On February 19, 2004, Republic Act No. 9250 signed by President ] renewed RPN its congressional franchise for another 25 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2004/02/19/republic-act-no-9250/|title=Republic Act No. 9250|website=Official Gazette|date=February 19, 2004|access-date=August 11, 2020}}</ref> It was also in the same year when the network launched its primetime block, dubbed as The Prime Shift, blocktimed by ]. The said programming block lasted until 2006 – largely due to continued financial turmoil – shrunk to 24 TV Stations to just 8 TV Stations by 2007.

===Solar Entertainment era (2007–2014)===
====Blocktime with Solar, as C/S; C/S9; Solar TV (2007–2011)====
]
On March 11, 2007, after its initial tieup with ''The Prime Shift'' block, RPN announced a partnership with ], an operator of a number of cable channels in the country. The company began co-producing new programming for the network, such as a ] of the '']'' franchise. The network underwent management changes on December 24, 2007, as Tonypet Albano (undersecretary and executive director of Malacañang's Office of Political Coalition Affairs and Deputy Spokesperson of ], now Vice-Governor of ]) was appointed chairman of the network (replacing Education Undersecretary Mona Valisno, incumbent Presidential Assistant for Education). Undersecretary Robert Rivera was appointed director of the board, while the president and chief executive officer became former senator ].<ref></ref>

Mercado's first major move was to expand their partnerships with Solar Entertainment. Programming from Solar's cable network ] was added to RPN's lineup at the beginning of the new year, and ] basketball would also return to the network beginning in the 2008–09 season, as part of ]' new three-year deal with the league after an expiration of ABC's contract due to the network's rebranding as TV5, because of the blocktime agreement with Malaysian-based ] subsidiary MPB Primedia, Inc. and intense bidding war with ].<ref name="PBA">{{cite news |title=SOLAR SPORTS BAGS 3-YEAR PBA TV DEAL |url=http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2133/1/ |publisher=www.pba.ph |date=May 27, 2008 |access-date=May 27, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528062320/http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2133/1/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=May 28, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Zean |last=Macamay |title=Solar gets it |url=http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-05-28&sec=7&aid=61130 |newspaper=] |date=May 28, 2008 |access-date=June 2, 2008 }}</ref>

In October 2008, RPN's stations ultimately took on the ] name as part of their permanent branding, and rebranded itself as C/S 9. On November 29, 2009, the network re-branded again under the new name ]. In late 2010, it was revealed that RPN would no longer carry PBA games, due to planned network re-launch to occur in 2011, with more "feminine" programming.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210163923/http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Solar-drops-PBA-for-feminine-programs.html |date=December 10, 2010 }}, Musong R. Castillo, ], December 8, 2010</ref>

====Privatization; as ETC (2011–2013)====
]
In 2010, the Philippine government began to actively consider privatizing RPN and IBC. Ricardo Abcede, member of the ] (PCGG), supported the plans, noting that the government should not need to subsidize three ]s when most countries only have one, and could gain a significant profit if they were sold to a major company willing to invest in the stations.<ref> ''ABS-CBNnews.com.'' August 10, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2010.</ref>

In January 2011, reports confirmed that ], through ], and Roberto Benedicto's daughter Kitchie Benedicto now owned a 34% minority share in RPN.<ref name=rpn9-donedeal>{{cite news |last=Romualdez |first=Babe |title=Spy Bits: RPN 9 a done deal? |url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=645563&publicationSubCategoryId=66 |newspaper=The Philippine Star |access-date=May 20, 2012}}</ref> Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. also began to hold meetings with the network's employees union to discuss the financial state of RPN as part of the planned privatization.<ref name="abs-cbnnews.com"> ''ABS-CBNnews.com.'' February 20, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2011.</ref> On February 22, 2011, RPN's employees filed a ], protesting a rumored shutdown of RPN on February 25, and accusing the government of attempting to privatize RPN without actively consulting its employees.<ref name="abs-cbnnews.com"/><ref> ''InterAksyon.com'' February 22, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2011.</ref><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728125636/http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110223met7.html |date=July 28, 2011 }} ''The Daily Tribiune'' February 23, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2011.</ref>

On February 25, 2011, RPN signed off temporarily in preparation for a relaunch as ] on March 2, 2011.<ref> '']''. January 3, 2011. Retrieved January 3, 2011.</ref><ref name=etc-rpn>{{cite news|last=Lo|first=Ricardo F.|title=ETC on RPN-9 starting March 2|url=http://www.philstar.com/funfare/Article.aspx?articleId=660792&publicationSubCategoryId=70|newspaper=The Philippine Star|access-date=May 20, 2012}}</ref> Additional shares in RPN were sold to Far East Managers and Investors Inc. (FEMI), an organization company affiliated with Ambassador Roberto Benedicto (founder of RPN). The government would retain ] to serve as the sole state broadcaster of the country.<ref> philSTAR.com June 3, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2011.</ref><ref> PEP.ph June 3, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2011.</ref> However, due to privatization, RPN is forced to retrench 200 employees and stopping the production of ], its last RPN-produced program, on October 29, 2012, as Solar TV takes over the entire RPN's airtime.<ref> retrieved August 18, 2014</ref><ref> retrieved August 18, 2014</ref>

====As Solar News Channel (2013–2014)====
In November 2013, it was reported that ] President and COO ] is reportedly interested in acquiring Solar Television Network.<ref name="owner">{{cite news|title= MVP-Ang rivalry set to spill over into television with San Miguel acquisition of Solar stake
|url= http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/mvp-ang-rivalry-set-to-spill-over-into-television-with-san-miguel-acquisition-of-solar-stake|date= November 9, 2013|access-date= August 18, 2014}}</ref>

<!-- Deleted image removed: ] -->
On November 30, 2013, ] returned to ] while ] moved to RPN since the following day to widen its nationwide telecast.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501031533/http://etc.com.ph/etconsbn/ |date=May 1, 2014 }}</ref><ref> retrieved November 5, 2013</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/12/02/solar-news-on-free-tv-moves-to-channel-9-/|title=Solar News on free TV, moves to channel 9|access-date=April 20, 2015}}</ref> (SBN broadcasts ETC from 2008 to 2011)

===Nine Media era (2014–present)===
====As 9TV (2014–2015)====
]
On January 3, 2014, RPN and ] (ABC) signed a memorandum of agreement for the expanded coverage of both the TV and radio networks nationwide. Selected ] programs will be simulcast on the Radyo Ronda Network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solarnews.ph/news/business/2014/01/03/rpn-aliw-tie-up-to-broaden-broadcasting-reach#.Usbr_s5orDc|title=CNN Philippines|access-date=April 20, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/top-news/25323-dwiz-rpn-forge-pact-to-widen-reach |title=BusinessMirror - DWIZ, RPN forge pact to widen Reach |website=] |access-date=April 11, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104003609/http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/top-news/25323-dwiz-rpn-forge-pact-to-widen-reach |archive-date=January 4, 2014 }}</ref>

On August 20, 2014, Solar Entertainment Corporation chief Wilson Tieng announced that he ceded his entire share on Solar TV Network, Inc., including its 34% majority share on RPN, to ], owner of business daily '']'' and Aliw Broadcasting Corporation.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822083909/http://www.interaksyon.com/business/93653/exclusive--businessmirror-owner-acquires-majority-stake-in-rpn9 |date=August 22, 2014 }} retrieved August 20, 2014</ref><ref> retrieved August 21, 2014</ref> Tieng sold Solar TV because they are losing money for operations and he will be focusing instead on the remaining television channels he personally owned through ].

To reflect the change of ownership, on August 13, 2014, Solar Television Network and RPN announced the rebranding of Solar News Channel into ] by August 23, dropping the Solar branding.<ref> retrieved August 18, 2014</ref><ref> retrieved August 18, 2014</ref>
9TV retained the news and current affairs programming while expanding its weekend programming to cater more audiences with the launching of ''Kids Weekend'', ''Small Acts, Big Stories'', ''Something to Chew On'' and ''Boys Ride Out''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.9news.ph/lifestyle/2014/08/13/solar-news-channel-turns-into-9tv |title=Solar News Channel turns into 9TV |date=August 13, 2014 |access-date=August 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008155932/http://www.9news.ph/lifestyle/2014/08/13/solar-news-channel-turns-into-9tv |archive-date=October 8, 2014}}</ref>

However, the 9TV branding was done to transition from the Tieng to the Cabangon-Chua ownership. On October 14, 2014, Nine Media Corporation (formerly Solar Television Network) inked a 5-year brand licensing agreement with the ] to rebrand 9TV into ] as the Philippine franchisee of ], and the third local CNN channel in Asia (after ] and India's ]). CNN Philippines was officially launched on March 16, 2015.<ref> retrieved October 14, 2014</ref>

====As CNN Philippines (2015–2024)====
]
On March 16, 2015, 9TV started broadcasting on ] brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/cnn-philippines-starts-broadcasting-today|title=CNN Philippines starts broadcasting today|author=Manila Bulletin|website=] |access-date=April 20, 2015}}</ref> CNN Philippines is the seventh rebrand of Radio Philippines Network since its inception as Kanlaon Broadcasting System. It dropped the transitional brand 9TV after seven months of operations under such brand. The new brand reflects the CNN format of news reporting with news from the ].

In 2017, RPN and ] acquired its UHF transmitter complex in Crestview Heights Subdivision, Brgy. San Roque, ], ] from ] to use RPN's ] broadcast in ] and nearby provinces.

On December 22, 2023, ] entered into an acquired agreement with RPN's parent company, Nine Media Corporation to broadcast the longest-running and Number 1 noontime variety show '']'' and selected games from the ] (PBA) every Saturday and Sunday on CNN Philippines starting January 6, 2024. This marks the return of the two programs previously aired on RPN to strengthen CNN Philippines' weekend line-up.<ref>{{cite web |title=CNN PH to air weekend E.A.T., PBA games starting Jan. 2024 |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2023/12/22/cnn-ph-weekend-airing-pba-s48-eat.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222123511/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2023/12/22/cnn-ph-weekend-airing-pba-s48-eat.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |website=CNN Philippines |access-date=27 December 2023 |date=22 December 2023}}</ref>

However on January 25, 2024, ''Media Newser Philippines'' reported that Nine Media Corporation and CNN agreed to shut down CNN Philippines by mutual agreement due to financial losses as well as poor ratings of the network and loss of advertisers' support. While CNN is still weighing in for its future options, RPN was officially played the looping logo plug of its new branded station, RPTV, after CNN Philippines officially closed its operations around 10 PM.<ref>{{cite web |title=CNN Philippines is shutting down after 9 years |url=https://medianewser.ph/cnn-philippines-is-shutting-down-after-9-years/ |website=medianewser.ph |access-date=25 January 2024 |date=25 January 2024}}</ref>

On January 29, 2024, CNN Philippines confirmed that it has ceased live news productions effective immediately, and to be dissolved entirely on January 31, citing financial losses and to shift its focus on the operations of their sister channel, ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://manilastandard.net/business/314410436/nine-media-owner-confirms-cnn-philippines-shutdown.html|title=Nine Media owner confirms CNN Philippines shutdown|publisher=Manila Standard|date=January 26, 2024|accessdate=January 26, 2024|author=Amojelar, Darwin G.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/business/cnn-philippines-shuts-down-january-2024/|title=CNN Philippines shuts down as losses mount|first=Ralf|last=Rivas|work=Rappler|date=January 29, 2024|access-date=January 29, 2024}}</ref>

====As RPTV (2024–present)====
]
On January 31, 2024, Bilyonaryo.com reported that ] partners with Nine Media and RPN to carry its selected sports, news and entertainment programming including Eat Bulaga! and PBA games alongside classic RPN shows and programs originally produced by Nine Media under its channel's new branding ''']''', which launched the following day. Selected programs from ] and ] are also airing on RPTV, marking its return to analog free-to-air television after 5 years since ]'s closure. On February 6, 2024, the partnership was formalized after ], TV5, and Nine Media signed a content distribution, sales and marketing services agreement for the new channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bilyonaryo.com/2024/01/31/from-cnn-philippines-to-rptv-mvps-tv5-to-provide-content-to-channel-9-possibly-including-a-prime-time-newscast/business/|title=From CNN Philippines to RPTV: MVP's TV5 to provide content to Channel 9, possibly including a prime time newscast|work=Bilyonaryo|date=January 31, 2024|access-date=February 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= MediaQuest, TV5, Nine Media enter content distribution, sales, marketing agreements to launch RPTV |url=https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/collaboration-mediaquest-tv5-nine-media-enter-content-distribution-sales-marketing-agreements-to-launch-rptv |website=News5 |access-date=6 February 2024 |date=6 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=TV5, MediaQuest, at Nine Media Corp., pumirma na ng kontrata para sa RPTV |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1GLg1J-7bc&ab_channel=News5Everywhere |website=YouTube |publisher=News5Everywhere |access-date=6 February 2024 |date=6 February 2024}}</ref>


==Programming== ==Programming==
===Solar TV Programs=== ===RPTV programs===
{{Main|List of programs broadcast by Solar TV}} {{Main|List of RPTV original programming}}
RPTV programming consists of simulcast and reruns of original TV5 and its sister channels programs including '']'' and '']'' games that was first aired simultaneously on CNN Philippines before its closure on January 31, 2024, as well as ''Ted Failon at DJ Chacha sa Radyo5'' and '']''.


===Previous RPN-produced programs===
==Slogans==
{{Main|List of programs previously broadcast by Radio Philippines Network}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Branding
! Slogan
! Years Active
|-
| KBS
| Accucolor 9
| 1960–1971
|-
| RPN
| Still The One
| 1977–1980
|-
| RPN
| The Leader
| 1980–1989
|-
| New Vision 9
| The Future
| 1989–1994
|-
| RPN
| The Network
| 1994–1995
|-
| RPN
| Your Friendly Network
| 1995–1997
|-
| RPN
| Leading The Way
| 1997–1998
|-
| RPN
| Quality Primetime Television
| 1998–1999
|-
| RPN
| Family TV!
| 2000–2001
|-
| RPN
| Your Kind of TV!
| 2001–2002
|-
| RPN
| World Class Primetime
| 2002–2003
|-
| RPN
| Moving Ahead
| 2003–2007
|-
| RPN
| Prime Shift
| 2004–March 10, 2007
|-
| RPN
| Kasama Mo! Simple Ang Ligaya, Masarap Kasama!
| March 11-July 15, 2007
|-
| RPN
| Pare!
| July 16-December 31, 2007
|-
| C/S on RPN
| C/S First. C/S Free.
| January 1-October 3, 2008
|-
| C/S 9
| Right Here, Right Now
| October 4, 2008-November 28, 2009
|-
| Solar TV on RPN
| It's A Bright New World
| November 29, 2009–October 30, 2010
|-
| RPN
| RPN 50 Years (1960–2010)
| June 2010–present
|-
| Solar TV on RPN
| Kung Saan Lahat Panalo! (''Where Everyone's a Winner!'')
| October 31, 2010–present
|}


==List of RPN stations and affiliates== ==RPN stations nationwide==
{{Main|List of Radio Philippines Network affiliate stations}} {{Main|List of Radio Philippines Network affiliate stations}}


==See also== ==See also==
*] * ]
*]
*]
*]


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
* {{commonscat-inline}}
*
* {{Official website|https://www.rpnradio.com/}}
*
*


{{Radio Philippines Network}}
{{Nine Media Corporation}}
{{Aliw Broadcasting Corporation}}
{{Solar Entertainment}}
{{Television in the Philippines}} {{Television in the Philippines}}
{{Radio in the Philippines}} {{Radio in the Philippines}}


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Revision as of 20:41, 16 December 2024

Philippine television network

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Radio Philippines Network
Logo used 1982 - 1989 and again since 1996
Company typePrivate
IndustryBroadcast television network and radio network
PredecessorKanlaon Broadcasting System (1968–1975)
FoundedJune 29, 1960; 64 years ago (1960-06-29)
HeadquartersRPN Compound, #97 Panay Avenue, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Key people
  • Benjamin Ramos (president and CEO)
  • D. Edgard A. Cabangon (chairman of the board)
Owner
Websitewww.rpnradio.com
Radio Philippines Network
TypeBroadcast commercial radio and television network
CountryPhilippines
AvailabilityNational
FoundedJune 29, 1960; 64 years ago (1960-06-29)
by James Lindenberg
AreaPhilippines
Owner
Key people
  • Benjamin Ramos (president and CEO)
  • D. Edgard A. Cabangon (chairman of the board)
Launch dateJune 19, 1960 (radio)
October 15, 1969 (television)
Former names
  • Kanlaon Broadcasting System
    (1960–1975)
  • New Vision 9
    (1989–1994)
Picture format1080i (HDTV)
Affiliation(s)
Official websitewww.rpnradio.com
LanguageFilipino
English

Radio Philippines Network, Inc. (RPN) is a Philippine television and radio company based in Quezon City. It is currently owned through majority share by Nine Media Corporation of the ALC Group of Companies; along with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Far East Managers and Investors Inc. (owned by the family of Roberto Benedicto), and other private sectors. The network's main offices and flagship transmitter is located at Panay Avenue, Brgy. South Triangle also in Quezon City. Founded by James Lindenberg, and prior to its privatization, it was the sister network of current government owned and controlled Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation; both networks were sequestered after the 1986 People Power Revolution, and formerly an attached agency of the now-PCO, which retained 20% of RPN's non-controlling shares following privatization.

Radio Philippines Network operates television stations with airtime being leased by its parent Nine Media and content provider TV5 Network, serving as primary broadcasters of RPTV. RPN also operates regional AM radio stations under the brand Radyo Ronda, serving as partial affiliate of sister station DWIZ in Metro Manila.

History

As Kanlaon Broadcasting System (1960–1975)

Early years (1960–1972)

Radio Philippines Network was founded on February 25, 1960, by James Lindenberg, who was also credited as the founder of ABS-CBN. RPN was officially established when the Congress of the Philippines approved its franchise on June 19, 1960.

RPN initially operated as a radio network, with its first station, DZBI, based in Manila. By 1967, it had expanded to seven radio stations nationwide, including DZRR and DZAX in Manila, DZBS in Baguio, DZTG in Tuguegarao, DZRL in Laoag (later relocated to Batac), DXXX in Zamboanga, and DXDX in Barangay Dadiangas. Ben Aniceto served as operations director during this time.

In the late 1960s, Lindenberg sold the network to Roberto Benedicto. The network rebranded as the Kanlaon Broadcasting System (KBS), named after Mount Kanlaon on the island of Negros, Benedicto’s hometown. On October 15, 1969, the network launched its flagship television station, KBS-9 Manila. KBS-12 Baguio followed later that year.

KBS's initial properties and equipment came from ABS-CBN, including its old headquarters and studios on Roxas Boulevard, along with Toshiba equipment that enabled color broadcasting. As a result, it was branded as Accucolor 9, becoming the first Philippine television network to broadcast in full color.

In 1970, KBS acquired a color-capable OB van for remote broadcasts of major events, including news and sports coverage. The network also launched NewsWatch, replacing the short-lived KBS Eyewitness Reports. During this period, broadcast hours were limited to late afternoons until around midnight, Monday through Saturday, with transmissions starting after midday on Sundays.

By 1971, KBS had established itself as an all-color network, operating ten provincial stations located in Baguio (KBS-12), Laoag (KBS-2), Bicol (KBS-10 in Iriga), Iloilo (KBS-2, Bacolod (KBS-8), Cebu (KBS-9 in Mandaue), Davao (KBS-4), General Santos (KBS-7), and Butuan (KBS-4), in addition to its flagship station, KBS-9 Manila.

Martial law KBS years and ABS-CBN takeover (1972–1975)

On September 23, 1972, the KBS television and radio stations and the newspaper publication Philippines Daily Express, all belonging to the Roberto Benedicto group, were allowed to operate during the martial law period with the former airing Wacky Races and Francisco Tatad's reading of Proclamation No. 1081, where most of the media outfits were closed down after the declaration of martial law with Proclamation No. 1081 by Ferdinand Marcos.

On September 28, 1972, Marcos ordered the takeover of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation and turned over its facilities to KBS, controlled by Benedicto. ABS-CBN's facilities were later transferred from KBS to the government-owned Maharlika Broadcasting System. Crony-owned media companies broadcast or published news and entertainment meant to project a positive image for the dictatorship and conceal its abuses.

In 1973, RPN brought the first slow-motion production machine to support the live coverage of the MICAA basketball games. Color production with color-ready equipment would enable the government to invest in RPN for color coverages of national events, as then state network GTV (now PTV), which began two years later after the beginning of martial law, was mostly monochrome before its first color broadcasts in 1976. In 1974, the KBS network grew with the opening of more stations in Tuguegarao (KBS-9), Bayombong (KBS-7), Legazpi (KBS-2), Palawan (KBS-5), Roxas (KBS-7), Dumaguete (KBS-5 moved to RPN-8), Tacloban (KBS-5), Zamboanga (KBS-5), Dipolog (KBS-5), Pagadian (KBS-5), Ozamiz (KBS-13), Cagayan de Oro (KBS-5), Surigao (KBS-4) and Cotabato (KBS-10).

The first Radio Philippines Network (1975–1989)

Benedicto ownership (1975–1986)

In 1975, KBS formally relaunched as RPN, the acronym for its franchise name, Radio Philippines Network (the RPN name was first used in the provincial stations before the RPN brand would later be used for the Manila station as well; the KBS name was also used for other aspects such as KBS Sports until 1986). The network covered special events such as the Olympic Games (it is also the first sporting coverage to broadcast in full color), Thrilla in Manila in 1975; and also became the official broadcaster for the Miss Universe pageant held in Manila in 1974, and the first Metropop Song Festival and its succeeding editions from 1978. The network also headlined some top-rated programs such as John en Marsha (which both the media and academe regarded the show as the paradigm of development communication), Flordeluna and Superstar (formerly known as The Nora Aunor-Eddie Peregrina Show). RPN became the birthplace and the first humble abode of the now longest running daytime variety show Eat Bulaga! (premiering in 1979); as well as the longest running game show on Philippine television Family Kuarta o Kahon hosted by Pepe Pimentel (originally aired on ABS-CBN then BBC-2); the latter program had enjoyed its successful 38 year run until it finally pulled the plug during the year 2000. The network also pioneered the use of computer graphics for their program plugs and station IDs. It also became the only network in the country known for its broadcasts of its easily recognizable digital clock embedded on the lower left part of the screen during the entire broadcast day except for newscasts, commercials, continuity plugs, station ID, and during sign-off. It eventually became the centerpiece of the network's broadcasts for 32 years (starting in 1975), and viewers have been setting their watches and clocks to RPN through the years, until it was abandoned at the end of 2007. After the fire that razed its first studios on June 6, 1973, RPN moved to the Broadcast Plaza (now ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center) in the same year, and to its current Broadcast City home in July 1978, alongside sister networks Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC).

RPN also aired anime programming (making them one of the first to do so in the country) and imported and syndicated programs from the United States. RPN is the first network to cover the Philippine Basketball Association games live in 1975 (and 1977), before the broadcasts moved on to BBC in 1976.

On January 15, 1980, RPN began to broadcast primetime programs through its new domestic satellite technology (DOMSAT) in which the 1980s logo resembles a satellite antenna. On May 18, 1982, Eat Bulaga! was also included to the list of the network's DOMSAT-simulcast programs. This made RPN the first national network to achieve nationwide program simulcasting via satellite in 24 TV stations across the Philippines.

The network also became home to, from 1978 up to the early 1980s, the Super Sentai series (making it the first in the Philippines to do so, becoming a pioneer in broadcasting tokusatsu and sentai programs in the country in the process). These made it a reason for the network in 1982 to adopt The Leader as its official slogan, coupled with its Number 9 and the red corporate logos (the latter which is still the current logo of the network up to this day), due to its massive successes as the nation's number one network. In 1986, after the assumption of office of President Corazon Aquino, the government sequestered Radio Philippines Network for allegedly being part of the crony capitalism under the Marcos regime. By then, it was the leading network in the Philippines cornering the highest audience share in the entire country. During the live broadcast of Marcos' inauguration from the Malacañang Palace during the last day of the People Power Revolution, rebels shut down the RPN transmitter in Panay Avenue, and it resumed broadcasts again on March 3, 1986.

First downfall and sequestration (1986-1989)

After the People Power Revolution which ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos and installed Corazon Aquino as president in February 1986, the stock and assets of RPN, IBC and BBC were sequestered by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG). President Corazon Aquino awarded BBC's Channel 2 frequency and its affiliates, through an executive order, to ABS-CBN, and RPN's and IBC's assets were turned over to the Government Communications Group and placed under the management of a Board of Administrators tasked to operate and manage its business and affairs subject to the control and supervision of Presidential Commission on Good Government.

The period saw a major decline for RPN as its resources became outdated and endured major mismanagement which led to the network either shutting down or selling its stations. From being number 1 in the ratings, RPN's ratings slumped, due to the growth of GMA Radio-Television Arts and PTV, and more importantly as a result of ABS-CBN's meteoric rise to the number 1 spot in 1988.

During the post-EDSA Revolution era, RPN launched the first Filipino-created animated series, Ang Panday. By 1989, some of RPN's programming such as John en Marsha and Superstar were cancelled, and TAPE Inc.'s daytime programs Eat Bulaga!, Agila and Coney Reyes on Camera (a co-production with Coney Reyes' CAN Television) moved under a co-production agreement to ABS-CBN, as they saw the resurgent network as a vital element in the sustaining of the three shows' success. By then, the once-dominant RPN had fallen to 4th place, trailing far behind ABS-CBN and GMA and locked in a losing battle with PTV for 3rd place.

New Vision 9 (1989–1994)

In October 8, 1989, RPN was renamed as New Vision 9 to recoup lost audience share in the ratings game of Philippine television networks. At the same year, New Vision 9 transmitter's effective radiated power was increased to 1 million watts, ensuing clearer and better signal reception in the Greater Luzon Area. The rebrand took place after RPN and Syndicated Media Access Corporation (SMAC) took over the network's management and marketing. The rebranding, although it proved futile in the turnaround of RPN's ratings, did make history for the network as it pioneered 24-hour television broadcasting in the Philippines. During the latter part of the New Vision 9 era, its ratings further suffered at last place in primetime (behind ABS-CBN, GMA, ABC, IBC, and PTV). Worse yet, RPN's nationwide reach suffered as well as its TV network – In 1989 it composed 24 TV stations nationwide (8 originating stations and 16 Relay stations).

By then, RPN not only had to deal with the continued dominance of ABS-CBN and GMA, but also the return of another station shut down during martial law, ABC, and the onset of cable and UHF channels which started to eat up the audience shares of the least-watched networks.

The second Radio Philippines Network (1994–2007)

Telenovela dominance, emphasis on world-class primetime programming (1994–2003)

In 1994, New Vision 9 was renamed back as Radio Philippines Network (RPN) and in the same year, RPN became the second VHF television network in the Philippines to broadcast in full surround stereo (after GMA Network introduced StereoVision in 1987). Following this, RPN managed to recover in primetime ratings, from being dead last in 1994 to fifth place in 1995, beating PTV (which by then suffered a major blow after losing the rights to one of its top-raters, the PBA games, to IBC). This, along with it being number 3 in daytime ratings, helped RPN to challenge ABC for third place in total day ratings.

In 1996, the network quickly regained its foothold when it began to broadcast a Tagalog dub of the 1994 Mexican telenovela Marimar, which turned out to be a phenomenal success, and discombobulating the competition for some time.

The network became the driving force in Tagalog-dubbed foreign programs and movies and made the popular and turnaround its ratings on the evening prime time. Due to the success, the other networks followed and broadcast telenovelas not only from Mexico but also Spanish language telenovelas from the United States, Colombia (GMA Network's Betty La Fea), Venezuela (GMA Network's Samantha and All My Love) and Argentina (GMA Network's Monica Brava) and eventually even drama series from Brazil (ABS-CBN's Ana Manuela) and Asian drama series from Taiwan (notably Meteor Garden) and South Korea (notably Bright Girl). The network also became the home of the cream of the crop amongst the English language television programs around the world with its strong primetime programming line-up.

This lineup helped RPN maintain its overall 4th place standing in the ratings during the latter half of the 90s, despite later facing competition with UHF stations such as ABS-CBN's Studio 23, which offered more canned programs compared to most VHF stations. In 1999, RPN slid again to fifth place behind ABC, but managed to recover its 4th place standing the following year until early 2003.

Second downfall (2003–2007)

In the mid-2000s, a major network war in the ratings game ensued with the battle of the Taiwanese/Korean-language television series (which started through ABS-CBN's broadcast of Taiwanese series Meteor Garden) between the two leading networks, ABS-CBN and GMA, causing RPN into decline in the telenovelas battle.

On February 19, 2004, Republic Act No. 9250 signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo renewed RPN its congressional franchise for another 25 years. It was also in the same year when the network launched its primetime block, dubbed as The Prime Shift, blocktimed by Solar Entertainment Corporation. The said programming block lasted until 2006 – largely due to continued financial turmoil – shrunk to 24 TV Stations to just 8 TV Stations by 2007.

Solar Entertainment era (2007–2014)

Blocktime with Solar, as C/S; C/S9; Solar TV (2007–2011)

C/S9 logo used from October 4, 2008 - November 28, 2009

On March 11, 2007, after its initial tieup with The Prime Shift block, RPN announced a partnership with Solar Entertainment Corporation, an operator of a number of cable channels in the country. The company began co-producing new programming for the network, such as a local version of the Top Model franchise. The network underwent management changes on December 24, 2007, as Tonypet Albano (undersecretary and executive director of Malacañang's Office of Political Coalition Affairs and Deputy Spokesperson of TEAM Unity, now Vice-Governor of Isabela) was appointed chairman of the network (replacing Education Undersecretary Mona Valisno, incumbent Presidential Assistant for Education). Undersecretary Robert Rivera was appointed director of the board, while the president and chief executive officer became former senator Orlando "Orly" Mercado.

Mercado's first major move was to expand their partnerships with Solar Entertainment. Programming from Solar's cable network C/S was added to RPN's lineup at the beginning of the new year, and PBA basketball would also return to the network beginning in the 2008–09 season, as part of Solar Sports' new three-year deal with the league after an expiration of ABC's contract due to the network's rebranding as TV5, because of the blocktime agreement with Malaysian-based Media Prima Berhad subsidiary MPB Primedia, Inc. and intense bidding war with ABS-CBN.

In October 2008, RPN's stations ultimately took on the C/S name as part of their permanent branding, and rebranded itself as C/S 9. On November 29, 2009, the network re-branded again under the new name Solar TV. In late 2010, it was revealed that RPN would no longer carry PBA games, due to planned network re-launch to occur in 2011, with more "feminine" programming.

Privatization; as ETC (2011–2013)

ETC logo from March 2, 2011 – November 30, 2013

In 2010, the Philippine government began to actively consider privatizing RPN and IBC. Ricardo Abcede, member of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), supported the plans, noting that the government should not need to subsidize three state broadcasters when most countries only have one, and could gain a significant profit if they were sold to a major company willing to invest in the stations.

In January 2011, reports confirmed that Solar Entertainment Corporation, through Solar TV Network, and Roberto Benedicto's daughter Kitchie Benedicto now owned a 34% minority share in RPN. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. also began to hold meetings with the network's employees union to discuss the financial state of RPN as part of the planned privatization. On February 22, 2011, RPN's employees filed a strike notice, protesting a rumored shutdown of RPN on February 25, and accusing the government of attempting to privatize RPN without actively consulting its employees.

On February 25, 2011, RPN signed off temporarily in preparation for a relaunch as ETC on March 2, 2011. Additional shares in RPN were sold to Far East Managers and Investors Inc. (FEMI), an organization company affiliated with Ambassador Roberto Benedicto (founder of RPN). The government would retain People's Television Network to serve as the sole state broadcaster of the country. However, due to privatization, RPN is forced to retrench 200 employees and stopping the production of RPN NewsWatch, its last RPN-produced program, on October 29, 2012, as Solar TV takes over the entire RPN's airtime.

As Solar News Channel (2013–2014)

In November 2013, it was reported that San Miguel Corporation President and COO Ramon S. Ang is reportedly interested in acquiring Solar Television Network.

On November 30, 2013, ETC returned to SBN while Solar News Channel moved to RPN since the following day to widen its nationwide telecast. (SBN broadcasts ETC from 2008 to 2011)

Nine Media era (2014–present)

As 9TV (2014–2015)

9TV logo from August 23, 2014 - March 15, 2015

On January 3, 2014, RPN and Aliw Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) signed a memorandum of agreement for the expanded coverage of both the TV and radio networks nationwide. Selected DWIZ programs will be simulcast on the Radyo Ronda Network.

On August 20, 2014, Solar Entertainment Corporation chief Wilson Tieng announced that he ceded his entire share on Solar TV Network, Inc., including its 34% majority share on RPN, to Antonio Cabangon Chua, owner of business daily BusinessMirror and Aliw Broadcasting Corporation. Tieng sold Solar TV because they are losing money for operations and he will be focusing instead on the remaining television channels he personally owned through Solar Entertainment Corporation.

To reflect the change of ownership, on August 13, 2014, Solar Television Network and RPN announced the rebranding of Solar News Channel into 9TV by August 23, dropping the Solar branding. 9TV retained the news and current affairs programming while expanding its weekend programming to cater more audiences with the launching of Kids Weekend, Small Acts, Big Stories, Something to Chew On and Boys Ride Out.

However, the 9TV branding was done to transition from the Tieng to the Cabangon-Chua ownership. On October 14, 2014, Nine Media Corporation (formerly Solar Television Network) inked a 5-year brand licensing agreement with the Turner Broadcasting System to rebrand 9TV into CNN Philippines as the Philippine franchisee of CNN, and the third local CNN channel in Asia (after CNN Indonesia and India's CNN-IBN). CNN Philippines was officially launched on March 16, 2015.

As CNN Philippines (2015–2024)

CNN Philippines logo from March 16, 2015 to January 31, 2024

On March 16, 2015, 9TV started broadcasting on CNN Philippines brand. CNN Philippines is the seventh rebrand of Radio Philippines Network since its inception as Kanlaon Broadcasting System. It dropped the transitional brand 9TV after seven months of operations under such brand. The new brand reflects the CNN format of news reporting with news from the Philippines.

In 2017, RPN and Nine Media Corporation acquired its UHF transmitter complex in Crestview Heights Subdivision, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo, Rizal from Progressive Broadcasting Corporation to use RPN's Digital terrestrial television broadcast in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

On December 22, 2023, TV5 Network entered into an acquired agreement with RPN's parent company, Nine Media Corporation to broadcast the longest-running and Number 1 noontime variety show Eat Bulaga! and selected games from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) every Saturday and Sunday on CNN Philippines starting January 6, 2024. This marks the return of the two programs previously aired on RPN to strengthen CNN Philippines' weekend line-up.

However on January 25, 2024, Media Newser Philippines reported that Nine Media Corporation and CNN agreed to shut down CNN Philippines by mutual agreement due to financial losses as well as poor ratings of the network and loss of advertisers' support. While CNN is still weighing in for its future options, RPN was officially played the looping logo plug of its new branded station, RPTV, after CNN Philippines officially closed its operations around 10 PM.

On January 29, 2024, CNN Philippines confirmed that it has ceased live news productions effective immediately, and to be dissolved entirely on January 31, citing financial losses and to shift its focus on the operations of their sister channel, Aliw Channel 23.

As RPTV (2024–present)

RPTV logo since February 1, 2024

On January 31, 2024, Bilyonaryo.com reported that TV5 Network partners with Nine Media and RPN to carry its selected sports, news and entertainment programming including Eat Bulaga! and PBA games alongside classic RPN shows and programs originally produced by Nine Media under its channel's new branding RPTV, which launched the following day. Selected programs from One PH and Radyo5 True FM are also airing on RPTV, marking its return to analog free-to-air television after 5 years since AksyonTV's closure. On February 6, 2024, the partnership was formalized after MediaQuest Holdings, TV5, and Nine Media signed a content distribution, sales and marketing services agreement for the new channel.

Programming

RPTV programs

Main article: List of RPTV original programming

RPTV programming consists of simulcast and reruns of original TV5 and its sister channels programs including Eat Bulaga! and PBA games that was first aired simultaneously on CNN Philippines before its closure on January 31, 2024, as well as Ted Failon at DJ Chacha sa Radyo5 and Wanted sa Radyo.

Previous RPN-produced programs

Main article: List of programs previously broadcast by Radio Philippines Network

RPN stations nationwide

Main article: List of Radio Philippines Network affiliate stations

See also

References

  1. ^ "About Us". Radio Philippines Network. Retrieved July 29, 2020.
  2. ^ "Cabangon-Chua group set to take over RPN-9". August 21, 2014. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
  3. "At 91, Atty. Jake Almeda-Lopez is still fighting for ABS-CBN, the media company he helped shape". ANCX. June 22, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  4. "Republic Act 2980". June 19, 1960.
  5. "ABS-CBN's post-EDSA boss Ben Aniceto passes away". ABS-CBN News. March 21, 2016. Retrieved March 21, 2016.
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  8. "RPN 9 to mark 39th year". Manila Standard. June 6, 1996. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
  9. Roa, J. N. (September 25, 1982). RPN-9 CEBU: THE LEADER. (M. S. Jr., Ed.) Vistas Weekly, pp. 32–33. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  10. "Executive Order No. 11, series 1986". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. April 8, 1986. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  11. "Republic Act No. 9250". Official Gazette. February 19, 2004. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  12. ABS-CBN Interactive, Tonypet Albano is new RPN-9 chief
  13. "SOLAR SPORTS BAGS 3-YEAR PBA TV DEAL". www.pba.ph. May 27, 2008. Archived from the original on May 28, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2008.
  14. Macamay, Zean (May 28, 2008). "Solar gets it". People's Journal. Retrieved June 2, 2008.
  15. Solar drops PBA for 'feminine' programs Archived December 10, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, Musong R. Castillo, Philippine Daily Inquirer, December 8, 2010
  16. PCGG urges gov't to fast-track sale of RPN-9, IBC-13 ABS-CBNnews.com. August 10, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
  17. Romualdez, Babe. "Spy Bits: RPN 9 a done deal?". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  18. ^ Malacanang sets dialogue with RPN-9 union ABS-CBNnews.com. February 20, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
  19. RPN 9 workers file notice of strike InterAksyon.com February 22, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2011.
  20. RPN 9 two labor unions file notice of strike, seek Noy's intervention Archived July 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine The Daily Tribiune February 23, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  21. Coloma: Privatization of RPN 9, IBC 13 in the works GMANews.TV. January 3, 2011. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
  22. Lo, Ricardo F. "ETC on RPN-9 starting March 2". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  23. San Miguel to join bidding for RPN-9, IBC-13 philSTAR.com June 3, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2011.
  24. San Miguel Corp. announces plan to bid for RPN-9 and IBC-13 PEP.ph June 3, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2011.
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  27. "MVP-Ang rivalry set to spill over into television with San Miguel acquisition of Solar stake". November 9, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
  28. ETC MOVES TO SBN-21 STARTING NOVEMBER 30 Archived May 1, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  29. Solar News Channel - Expect wider reach and a richer viewing experience retrieved November 5, 2013
  30. "Solar News on free TV, moves to channel 9". Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  31. "CNN Philippines". Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  32. "BusinessMirror - DWIZ, RPN forge pact to widen Reach". BusinessMirror. Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  33. EXCLUSIVE | BusinessMirror owner acquires majority stake in RPN9 Archived August 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine retrieved August 20, 2014
  34. Cabangon-Chua acquires RPN-9 retrieved August 21, 2014
  35. - Solar News to be renamed News9? (Media Newser Philippines) retrieved August 18, 2014
  36. - Is RPN-9 Destined to Return? retrieved August 18, 2014
  37. "Solar News Channel turns into 9TV". August 13, 2014. Archived from the original on October 8, 2014. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
  38. Turner, Nine Media to launch CNN Philippines retrieved October 14, 2014
  39. Manila Bulletin. "CNN Philippines starts broadcasting today". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  40. "CNN PH to air weekend E.A.T., PBA games starting Jan. 2024". CNN Philippines. December 22, 2023. Archived from the original on December 22, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  41. "CNN Philippines is shutting down after 9 years". medianewser.ph. January 25, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  42. Amojelar, Darwin G. (January 26, 2024). "Nine Media owner confirms CNN Philippines shutdown". Manila Standard. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  43. Rivas, Ralf (January 29, 2024). "CNN Philippines shuts down as losses mount". Rappler. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  44. "From CNN Philippines to RPTV: MVP's TV5 to provide content to Channel 9, possibly including a prime time newscast". Bilyonaryo. January 31, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  45. "MediaQuest, TV5, Nine Media enter content distribution, sales, marketing agreements to launch RPTV". News5. February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  46. "TV5, MediaQuest, at Nine Media Corp., pumirma na ng kontrata para sa RPTV". YouTube. News5Everywhere. February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024.

External links

Radio Philippines Network, Inc.
Key figures
Radio stations
TV networks
Radio Philippines Network
Other assets
  • Nine Media Corporation (34%)
  • RPN Compound
  • South Tower
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    Nine Media Corporation
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    Wilson Y. Tieng
    Willy Y. Tieng
    William Y. Tieng
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    Benjamin Ramos
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    D. Edgard A. Cabangon
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    Aliw Broadcasting Corporation
    Chairman, ABC
    D. Edgard A. Cabangon
    President, ABC and NMC
    Benjamin V. Ramos
    President, IBSI
    D. Adrian A. Cabangon
    Executive Vice President and General Manager
    Atty. Mcneil Rante
    Vice President for Business Development
    Dennis Antenor, Jr.
    Founder
    Antonio L. Cabangon Chua
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