MANILA, Philippines —Broadcast network TV5 has occupied the frequency where now-defunct CNN Philippines used to air its shows, launching on Thursday RPTV, a free-to-air channel featuring sports, news and entertainment content.
The Pangilinan-led media company, in a statement on Thursday, said it would broadcast all Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games, including 3X3, D-League and more. It also airs other sports content like Premier Volleyball League and the games of Gilas Pilipinas, the Philippine men’s national basketball team.
The channel carries the popular noon-time show “Eat Bulaga!” hosted by TV veterans Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey De Leon, among others.
READ: PBA games to air on channel 9 starting with San Miguel-Magnolia Finals
RPTV broadcasts local comedy and action series and movies during the weekend, along with Live Sports.
Viewers can also catch the news and public service show of journalist Ted Failon, personality DJ Chacha and Sen. Raffy Tulfo’s “Wanted sa Radyo.”
“The birth of RPTV is aligned with our commitment to elevate the standards of entertainment, sports and public service broadcasting in the Philippines,” TV5 president and CEO Guido Zaballero said.
Birth of RPTV
RPTV is on Channel 9 Analog in Manila, Cebu and Davao; Channel 5 in Zamboanga; Channel 12 in Baguio; and Channel 8 in Bacolod. It is also available via pay TV at Cignal TV (Channel 10), SatLite (Channel 9). GSat (Channel 8) and over 300 cable and satellite providers across the country.
TV5 is operated by MediaQuest Holdings Inc., which also owns Radyo5, One News, One Sports, One PH, Sari-Sari Channel, PBA and The Varsity Channel.
This latest move by TV5 shows its intent to further expand its presence in the TV industry once dominated by ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc.
READ: P5-B loss leads to decision to pull plug on CNN PH
The Lopez-led TV network has since exited the free TV space after the previous administration had shot down its request to renew the franchise in 2020, making GMA the dominant player. ABS-CBN signed a blocktime leasing deal with TV5 in 2022 to air some of its shows.
RPTV’s launch came a day after CNN Philippines had ceased operations after nine years due to financial struggles.