TV5 (Philippine TV network)

This article is about the Philippine TV network. For its parent company, see TV5 Network.

"ABC-5" redirects here. For other uses, see ABC 5 (disambiguation).

TV5 (stylized as 5 and formerly known as ABC) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network headquartered in Mandaluyong, with additional studios in Novaliches, Quezon City. It serves as the flagship network of TV5 Network, Inc., which is owned by MediaQuest Holdings, the multimedia subsidiary of the telecommunications conglomerate PLDT. TV5 is popularly known as "The Kapatid Network," using the Filipino term for "sibling," a branding introduced in 2010.

TV5 (Philippines)

Logo used since May 20, 2021, the third revision of the 2010 logo
Type	Free-to-air television network
Country	Philippines
Broadcast area	Philippines
Affiliates	List of TV5 stations
Headquarters	TV5 Media Center, Reliance cor. Sheridan Sts., Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
Programming
Language(s)	Filipino (main) Philippine English (secondary)
Picture format	720p/1080i HDTV (downscaled to 16:9 480i for the SDTV feed)
Ownership
Owner	TV5 Network, Inc. (MediaQuest Holdings, Inc.)
Key people	Manuel V. Pangilinan (Chairman) Guido R. Zaballero (President and CEO) Vicky de Leon (Chief Information Officer) Dong Capinpuyan (Broadcast Operations Head) Jana Manalaysay (On-Air Presentation Head) Jillmer Dy (Programming Head) Patrick Paez (Head, News5) Sienna G. Olaso (Head, One Sports)
Sister channels	RPTV One Sports Kapatid Channel AksyonTV International PBA Rush
History
Founded	June 19, 1960 (1960-06-19)
Launched	June 19, 1960 (1960-06-19) (radio) July 1962 (1962-07) (television)
Founder	Joaquin "Chino" Roces
Former names	Associated Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) (June 19, 1960–September 23, 1972) Associated Broadcasting Company (ABC) (February 21, 1992–August 8, 2008) The 5 Network (February 17, 2018–August 14, 2020)
Links
Website	www.tv5.com.ph
Availability
Terrestrial
Analog VHF/UHF	Listings may vary
Digital VHF/UHF	Listings may vary
Streaming media
YouTube Live	Live Stream (Philippine users only)
Cignal Play	Available on the Cignal Play website or via mobile application

TV5's flagship station, DWET-TV, broadcasts on VHF Channel 5 for analog, UHF Channel 18 for digital, and UHF Channel 51 for digital test transmissions, with the latter licensed to its sister company, Mediascape/Cignal TV. The network operates seven additional owned-and-operated stations and has twelve affiliate television stations across the Philippines. Cable and satellite providers nationwide offer TV5's programming, while Kapatid Channel, AksyonTV International, and PBA Rush offer its content internationally.

History

Main article: TV5 Network

The Early Years (1960–1972)

Joaquin "Chino" Roces, the owner of the Manila Times, obtained a radio-TV franchise through Republic Act 2945 from Congress on June 19, 1960. He then established the Associated Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), with initial studios located along Pasong Tamo in Makati, Rizal (now part of Metro Manila). ABC's first radio stations were DZMT 1100 kHz, DZTM 1380 kHz, and DZWS 1070 kHz. ABC became the seventh television network in the Philippines when it launched DZTM-TV Channel 5 in July 1962. From July 1962 to September 23, 1972, ABC operated radio and television services.

On September 23, 1972, President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared martial law, resulting in the forced shutdown of ABC and the Manila Times.

After the People Power Revolution in 1986, Chino Roces successfully advocated for the network's reinstatement with President Corazon Aquino. ABC did not resume operations until 1991 with a test broadcast and officially reopened in 1992. Although Chino Roces passed away in 1988, his son, Edgardo Roces, played a role in reopening the network.

Following Chino Roces' death, new stakeholders, led by broadcast veterans Edward Tan and Edgardo Roces, worked toward resuming broadcasts. They obtained approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission for an increase in capitalization and amendments to ABC's articles of incorporation and bylaws. They were granted a permit to operate by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

The Return and Growth (1992–2003)

ABC completed the construction of its studio complex and transmitter tower in Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City in 1990. Test broadcasts began at the end of 1991, featuring documentaries from Japan. On February 21, 1992, the network officially returned to the air as the Associated Broadcasting Company (ABC). The flagship station adopted the call sign DWET-TV, and the corporate name became Associated Broadcasting Company, with the initial "C" replacing "Corporation" to reflect the new management of the revived network.

On February 4, 1994, ABC launched nationwide satellite broadcasting. The network experienced rapid growth and earned a reputation as "The Fastest Growing Network" under the leadership of network executive, Tina Monzon-Palma, who served as Chief Operating Officer. On December 9, 1994, ABC obtained a 25-year legislative franchise through Republic Act No. 7831, which authorized the network to establish and operate television and radio stations across the country.

In 2001, ABC began producing local versions of popular game shows, including The Price Is Right (hosted by Dawn Zulueta, later acquired by ABS-CBN), Wheel of Fortune (hosted by Rustom Padilla, later acquired by ABS-CBN), and Family Feud (hosted by Ogie Alcasid, later acquired by GMA Network, then by ABS-CBN, and eventually returned to GMA). The success of Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation's Philippine editions of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (hosted by Christopher de Leon, later transferred to TV5 and hosted by Vic Sotto) and The Weakest Link (hosted by Edu Manzano) influenced this move during a period of game show popularity among Philippine networks.

The Cojuangco Era (2003–2008)

In June 2003, the joint consortium of Tan and Roces sold ABC TV and radio stations to a group led by businessman Antonio "Tonyboy" Cojuangco Jr. Cojuangco, the former chairman of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and owner of Dream Satellite TV and Bank of Commerce, formally acquired the assets in October of the same year. Cojuangco became the president and CEO of ABC, with Jose T. Pardo, a former secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, serving as the network's board chairman.

Under the new management, significant changes were introduced, including strengthening the news and public affairs division, modernizing broadcast equipment, and acquiring broadcast rights for Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games. The network executives, led by Roberto Barreiro, also coined a new slogan, "Iba Tayo!" ("We're Different!"), during the "network wars" between ABS-CBN and GMA. ABC aimed to differentiate itself by offering fresh and distinct programming formats, targeting the growing middle to upper-class youth market. While implementing these changes, ABC continued to support the Family Rosary Crusade and featured the religious pre-identification campaign "Please Pray the Rosary" before its programs, although this gradually phased out during the network's programming revamp.

In 2005, ABC received the "Outstanding TV Station" award at the 2005 KBP Golden Dove Awards, and several programs on the network also received awards in their respective categories.

In early 2007, ABC implemented budget cuts that mainly affected its news department, resulting in significant layoffs and a diminished capacity for coverage. The cuts were implemented before the 2007 general elections.

In November 2007, ABC launched new sports programming, including NBA basketball, professional boxing, and WWE events, as part of a five-year deal with Solar Entertainment. Due to high costs and poor ratings, the programs were dropped throughout 2008. The NBA review show House of Hoops was cut back and eventually cancelled by April 2008. The PBA, which was previously aired on ABC, did not have its contract renewed and instead found a new home on RPN through a partnership with Solar Entertainment, leading to RPN's privatization by Solar in 2011.

First TV5 Era (2008–2018)

ABC-MPB Primedia Partnership (2008–2010)

In March 2008, Tonyboy Cojuangco announced a partnership between ABC and MPB Primedia Inc., a local company backed by Media Prima Berhad of Malaysia. The partnership was part of a long-term strategy to enhance ABC's competitiveness in the network wars between ABS-CBN and GMA. MPB Primedia Inc. was established as an asset for Media Prima's proposed private equity fund to invest in media companies in Southeast Asia. Under the agreement, MPB Primedia Inc. produced and sourced entertainment programs, while ABC continued to be responsible for news programming and station operation. MPB Primedia was granted rights to schedule and manage sales of ABC-5's airtime. Christopher Sy was appointed CEO of MPB Primedia but resigned in January 2009 due to reported differences in management style.

ABC aired its final broadcast at around 10:00 PM PHT on August 8, 2008, with its late-night newscast Sentro as the last program. A countdown to the network's relaunch followed until 7:00 PM the next day when it officially rebranded as TV5. The network retained its alternative programming lineup but aimed to cater to "Progressive Pinoys, including those 'young at heart,'" targeting market classes C and D. TV5 unveiled its upgraded 120-kilowatt state-of-the-art stereo TV transmitter. Some ABC programs, such as Shall We Dance, Nick on TV5, Kerygma TV, Light Talk, and Sunday TV Mass, were carried over to TV5's lineup.

Despite challenges, TV5 experienced a ratings revival under the new management. Its audience share increased from 1.9% in May–June 2008 (before the rebranding) to 11.1% in September 2009.

Acquisition by PLDT and the Kapatid Network Years (2010–2018)

On October 20, 2009, Media Prima announced its intention to divest its share in MPB Primedia / TV5, along with its affiliated ABC TV stations, and sell it to MediaQuest Holdings, the broadcasting division of PLDT. The decision was driven by the company's losses during the year. The acquisition was officially announced by Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan on March 2, 2010. A new line-up of programming was introduced through a trade launch at the World Trade Center, and the network rebranded itself as the "Kapatid" ("sibling") network to compete with ABS-CBN and GMA Network.

On October 1, 2010, TV5 took over the management of MediaQuest's Nation Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) stations. DWFM was relaunched as Radyo5 92.3 News FM (now 105.9 True FM), a TV5-branded news radio station, on November 8, 2010. DWNB-TV was rebranded as AksyonTV on February 21, 2011, a news channel based on TV5's newscast Aksyon. TV5 experienced success and outranked GMA Network to become the second most-watched network in key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, including Iloilo, Cebu, Bacolod, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. The network shared the top spot with ABS-CBN in General Santos.

On December 23, 2013, TV5 began broadcasting from its new headquarters, the TV5 Media Center located in Reliance, Mandaluyong.

In 2014, TV5 acquired the Filipino broadcast rights to the 2014 Winter Olympics, the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics, and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Despite financial struggles, TV5 remained one of the top three television networks in the country, with a strong following among male and younger viewers. The network's programming, such as the PBA via Sports5 and the TV5 Kids block, contributed to its popularity.

Second TV5 era and collaboration with Cignal TV (2020–present)

Logo used from January 13, 2019, to May 19, 2021, this is the second revision of the 2010 logo

The old headquarters of TV5 in Novaliches in 2022

On August 15, 2020, TV5 reverted to its former name and announced a partnership with sister company Cignal TV to manage its programming. The partnership aimed to restore the network's competitive edge and enable it to compete with other TV networks in the Philippines, including GMA Network. TV5 introduced its first wave of entertainment programs produced by block timers such as Archangel Media/APT Entertainment, ContentCows Company, Inc., Luminus Productions, Inc., Regal Entertainment, Viva Television, and Brightlight Productions.[1][2][3] Additionally, shows from ABS-CBN that were affected by the network's franchise non-renewal were transferred to TV5.[4] The network also expressed its willingness to hire displaced employees from ABS-CBN.[5][3] In mid-September 2020, TV5 announced a second wave of programs for October, including shows produced by Regal, Viva, APT Entertainment, Brightlight Productions, and News5.

On January 18, 2021, TV5 began carrying selected programming produced by ABS-CBN Studios after the shutdown of its free-to-air network. TV5 simulcast Kapamilya Channel programming, including shows like It's Showtime (2022–2023; later moved to All TV,[6] GMA Network[7] and GTV, in following years), ASAP, FPJ: Da King (2021–2023), and Sunday Blockbusters (2024) movie blocks, Kapamilya Gold (only Pira-Pirasong Paraiso and Nag-aapoy na Damdamin), Primetime Bida, and the Yes Weekend! line-up (excluding Goin' Bulilit and TV Patrol, which were instead simulcast on A2Z and All TV),[8][9][10][11] Rated Korina (produced by Brightlight Productions from October 24, 2020, to June 16, 2023, before its production was reverted to ABS-CBN on June 17, 2023), and Magandang Buhay (2023–2024; later moved to All TV on May 13, 2024).[12] The agreement was made between ABS-CBN, Cignal TV, and Brightlight Productions.[13] TV5 introduced its revamped programming under the slogan "TV5 TodoMax," dividing programs into five blocks: TodoMax Kids, TodoMax Serbisyo (Idol in Action), TodoMax Panalo (afternoon programming line-up), TodoMax Primetime Singko, and TodoMax Weekend.[14][15][16]

Following the programming revamp, TV5 became the second most-watched TV network in prime-time TV ratings, according to the AGB-Nielsen survey. The network's strengthened prime-time programs from ABS-CBN Studios and Cignal Entertainment contributed to this achievement.[17]

On May 20, 2021, TV5 launched its new slogan "Iba sa 5" (It's different on 5) along with a new station jingle, station ID, and a darker red scheme for its 2019 logo, which itself was a revision of the 2010 logo.[18][19] On July 1, 2022, the network introduced a new slogan, "Iba'ng Saya pag Sama-Sama" (The Fun is One of a Kind When We're Together), accompanied by a new station jingle and station ID.[20][21][22]

On January 31, 2023, Guido R. Zaballero was appointed as the president and CEO of TV5 Network, effective February 1, 2023. The appointment followed the retirement of Robert P. Galang, who had been leading Cignal TV and TV5 since 2020. Jane J. Basas assumed the role of president and CEO of Cignal TV while serving as the president and CEO of MediaQuest, the holding company of TV5 and Cignal TV.[23]

Transition to High Definition (2023)

On March 21, 2023, TV5 announced the launch of its main channel in high-definition (HD) feed, presented in a full-screen format, on Cignal TV. This development was aimed at providing viewers with improved visual quality and an enhanced viewing experience. The channel officially launched as TV5 HD on April 1, 2023.[24][25][26][27]

On April 16, 2023, TV5 began broadcasting in anamorphic 16:9 aspect ratio on free-to-air digital television. The change allowed for a widescreen presentation, optimizing the viewing experience for viewers with compatible widescreen televisions.[28]

Branding

Network Identity

TV5, originally known as the Associated Broadcasting Corporation (ABC),[29] has undergone numerous rebrandings throughout its history. Below is a summary of the network's branding changes:

• Associated Broadcasting Corporation (1960–1972): Founded by Joaquin "Chino" Roces in 1960, ABC was forced to shut down in 1972 due to the declaration of Martial Law by President Marcos.
• Associated Broadcasting Company (1992–2008): Fully restored in 1992 after being granted a new franchise, ABC was led by new stockholders Edward Tan and Edgardo Roces. Businessman Antonio O. Cojuangco Jr. acquired the company in 2003.
• TV5 (First Era; 2008–2018): Renamed as TV5 after entering a partnership with MPB Primedia, Inc., backed by the Malaysian media group Media Prima Berhad. In 2010, Media Prima divested its share to MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., owned by Manuel V. Pangilinan. The TV5 branding became obsolete when the network was relaunched as "5" on February 17, 2018.
• 5 (The 5 Network) (2018–2020): TV5 was rebranded as The 5 Network or simply 5 in 2018. The network utilized a numerical 5 logo and divided its programming grid into news, sports, and entertainment. However, the TV5 branding was still commonly used to refer to both the network and the company, as well as for sign-on and sign-off messages, social media accounts, and selected program teasers. "The 5 Network" branding was retired on August 14, 2020, but the numerical 5 logo variant from 2019 was retained. The "5" naming was reinstated in 2021 for TV5's current slogan, "Iba sa 5."
• One TV (Cancelled; 2020): Originally planned for rebranding on April 13, 2020, and later rescheduled for July 20, 2020, One TV was ultimately cancelled due to viewer confusion and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the network reverting to the TV5 branding.
• TV5 (Second Era; 2020–Present): TV5 was officially restored as the network's full-time identity on August 15, 2020, coinciding with the return of local entertainment programs. The "TV5" word is commonly used for program teasers on TV, radio, and social media.

TV5 has used several logos throughout its history. Notable variations include the iconic cyclone logo used from 1992 to 2004, the ABC logo with a yellow circle introduced in 2004, and the shaking television logo adopted after the 2008 relaunch. In 2018, TV5 introduced the numerical 5 logo, which was redesigned from the 2010 logo, dropping the "TV" word and incorporating the program title within the logo. A variation of this logo was unveiled in 2019, which featured a light red color but changed to a darker red color in 2021.

Programming

Main article: List of TV5 (Philippine TV network) original programming

TV5 offers a wide range of programs covering news and public affairs, sports, movies, local dramas, soap operas, anime series, foreign cartoons, musicals, variety shows, reality shows, comedy and gag shows, informative programs, talk shows, religious programs, and more. The network is known for being the official broadcaster of the PBA games.

Shortly after its relaunch in 2008, TV5 reportedly entered the Top 3 TV stations based on the AGB Nielsen survey. The network gained popularity with its TV5 AniMEGA anime programming block, which introduced numerous Filipino-dubbed Japanese anime series to Philippine television, including Code Geass, Shakugan no Shana, Azumanga Daioh, Special A, Makibaoh, Toradora!, Clannad, Yatterman, D.Gray-man, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and Gundam 00. The network also attracted attention for its original horror drama series Midnight DJ (2008–2011).

TV5 became known for pioneering tabloid talk shows featuring confrontations, physical fights, and scantily clad guests. Some of the programs included Face to Face, Face the People, Solved na Solved, and Idol in Action.

In 2013, TV5 introduced the Weekend Do It Better and Everyday All The Way programming blocks, but many of the programs were discontinued due to low ratings. In 2014, the network launched a new set of programs under the "Happy Ka Dito!" campaign.

In 2015, TV5 focused on light entertainment and sports with the "Happy sa 2015" campaign, introducing over a dozen new programs. The AniMEGA block returned, featuring the anime series Sword Art Online.[1] TV5's entertainment programming was produced by various content providers, including MQ Studios, Unitel Productions, Regal Entertainment, The IdeaFirst Company, and Content Cows Company Inc. In 2015, TV5 named Sari-Sari Channel as its main entertainment production outfit after signing a deal with Viva Entertainment.

Director Brillante Mendoza collaborated with TV5 to produce made-for-TV movies under the Brillante Mendoza Presents umbrella in 2016. In the same year, the network also aired The Walking Dead and La Reina del Sur, both dubbed in Filipino.

In 2017, TV5 partnered with Aniplus Asia[2] to bring back the AniMEGA block, showcasing Japanese anime series such as Attack on Titan: Junior High, Myriad Colors Phantom World, Kantai Collection,[3] Knights of Sidonia,[4][5] Norn9,[6] and Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?[7] The network also broadcast NFL games from 2017 to 2019[8] and selected local shows from the Sari-Sari Channel under the Sari-Sari sa Weekends banner. Brillante Mendoza's crime drama series Amo premiered in 2018 after a long delay.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, TV5 filled vacant slots with new programs due to the lack of sporting events. Tierra de Reyes, Betty sa NY, Reina de Corazones, and La suerte de Loli were among the Spanish-language telenovelas dubbed in Filipino, along with re-dubbed versions of Marimar, María Mercedes, and María la del Barrio.[9] The network also acquired the rights to broadcast the NBA games. In August 2020, TV5 launched new local entertainment programs produced by Brightlight Productions, Luminus Productions Inc., and Archangel Media/APT Entertainment.[10][11] Additional programs from Brightlight Productions aired in October 2020.

In 2021, TV5 and Cignal TV signed a partnership with ABS-CBN to air more of its content on free television.[12] TV5 has been simulcasting selected programs from Kapamilya Channel and ABS-CBN Studios, such as Magandang Buhay (2023–2024; later transferred to All TV in May 2024),[13] FPJ: Da King (2021–2023) and Sunday Blockbusters (2024) movie blocks, ASAP, and programs from the Kapamilya Gold (only Pira-Pirasong Paraiso and Nag-aapoy na Damdamin), Primetime Bida, and Yes Weekend! programming blocks (excluding Goin' Bulilit and TV Patrol, which were instead simulcast on A2Z and All TV),[14][15][16][17] along with the Japanese anime series My Hero Academia, which was previously aired on the defunct channel Yey! (ABS-CBN TV Plus).[18][19]

In June 2023, the legendary Philippine entertainment trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ) and their "Legit Dabarkads" signed a deal with MediaQuest to make TV5 their new home after leaving TAPE Inc. and GMA Network due to a dispute. On July 1, they launched their noontime show E.A.T., which was later renamed and made TV5 the new home of Eat Bulaga!, the longest-running variety and entertainment show in the Philippines and the world. It took over the slot previously occupied by a simulcast of ABS-CBN Studios' It's Showtime, which later transferred to All TV in June 2024,[20] as well as to GMA Network and sister channel, GTV, in April 2024 and July 2023, respectively.[21]

In October 2023, TV5 President Guido Zaballero announced that the broadcast of PBA games would be transferred to A2Z (and later to TV5's sister channel, RPTV, in February 2024),[22] with a shift in TV5's programming focus towards entertainment and news programs.[23][24]

International broadcast

Main article: Kapatid Channel

TV5 programs are not only accessible in the Philippines, but have international reach through the Kapatid Channel. The Network's programs can be viewed in various regions, including Guam, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Canada, and the United States. This allows a broader audience to enjoy TV5's content beyond the borders of the Philippines.

Controversies

Lawsuit against GMA Network

In December 2008, GMA Network, Citynet Television, and ZOE Broadcasting Network filed a lawsuit against ABC, MPB, and MPB Primedia, claiming that TV5's lease of airtime to Media Prima was an attempt to circumvent regulations on foreign ownership of broadcasting companies.[1] ABC's media relations head, Pat Marcelo-Magbanua, defended that the network was a Filipino company that "complied" with local regulations.[2]

Investment Briefing with ABS-CBN Deal

In June 2022, ABS-CBN entered advanced talks with MediaQuest Holdings, TV5's parent company, to explore a partnership. This came after Advanced Media Broadcasting System, backed by the Villar Group, acquired ABS-CBN's former frequency and planned to launch as All TV 2, which would eventually simulcast several programs produced by ABS-CBN nearly two years later.[3][4] On August 10, 2022, ABS-CBN and MediaQuest Holdings signed a "convertible note agreement," allowing ABS-CBN to acquire 34.99% of TV5 Network's common shares, with the option to increase the stake to 49.92% within the next eight years. MediaQuest Holdings remained the controlling shareholder with 64.79% of TV5's common shares. Additionally, MediaQuest Holdings acquired a 38.88% minority stake in ABS-CBN's cable TV arm, Sky Cable Corporation, through Cignal TV, with an option to acquire an additional 61.12% of Sky Cable shares within the next eight years.[5][6][7] The partnership agreement was terminated on September 1, 2022, following concerns raised by politicians and government agencies.[8]

Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

In August 2024, TV5 initiated a criminal inquiry regarding an alleged sexual harassment complaint filed by a 22-year-old talent researcher who worked for the program Budol Alert against News5 program manager Cliff Gingco. The incident allegedly took place at a hotel in Pasig on July 23. TV5 released a "Notice to Explain" after Senator Raffy Tulfo discussed the matter on Wanted sa Radyo and Raffy Tulfo in Action. This followed earlier reports made to the Ortigas Police sub-station, TV5's executives, and HR management.[9] TV5 dismissed Gingco from his position.[10]

External links

• Media Ownership Monitor Philippines – Television by VERA Files and Reporters Without Borders