Tragedy Struck IBC 13 Not Once, But Twice

This is the current logo of IBC Channel 13, which is owned and operated by the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation. (Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

The years 2013 and 2014 has been tough for IBC 13. Let me tell you what happened to the network that changed the way we watch television since 1975. In May 2013, TV5, which is owned and operated by Manny V. Pangilinan, announced that its primetime sports block on IBC 13 named AKTV will end its broadcast due to high operating expenses that should have not been a problem for the business tycoon and its company. However, what happened last September 1, 2014 is considered to be the biggest tragedy not only for channel 13, but also for Filipino viewers as well. It seems that IBC 13 will quickly end the broadcast of its primetime block with Asian Television Content Corporation, following the statement by Presidential Secretary Sonny Coloma that the network will be privatized before the end of President Benigno Aquino's term. Now what just happened to IBC 13?


When it was first came to Philippine television during the martial law era, IBC was the number one television station in the Philippines because of its original programming and movie blocks. But now it seems that channel 13 began to slowly lose its luster after the EDSA People Power Revolution. Now it feels like IBC 13 does not deserve to be a full-pledged television station after what just happened. I am disappointed considering that more Filipino viewers are beginning to enjoy watching the alternative programming provided by ATC, including the expectation of bringing Japanese live action series back on channel 13.

Aside from the disappointment, I also found out that since the day ATC@IBC suddenly disappeared from our tubes, IBC 13 has the inability to completely implement the new television ratings system that the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) mandated back in 2011. As of this writing, some of its programs do not have an MTRCB rating, such as Gospel of the Kingdom and multiple repeat airings of Cooltura and Tipong Pinoy. Maybe the only reason why IBC 13 is not the same channel that it used to be is its nationwide reach. Many Filipino viewers would prefer watching programs on the big three of the Philippine television industry, namely ABS-CBN, GMA, and TV5. Although ATC@IBC is a perfect alternative for viewers, it is still not enough to make the network a very relevant channel for viewers to watch.

We'll just wait and see what happens next for the number one television station in the Philippines during the late 1970s and 1980s, as digital television is coming this way.