What Makes 9TV the Best News Channel on Free TV?

9TV was officially launched last August 2014 after Solar Entertainment Corporation transferred its shares of RPN 9 to the network's new owner, the ALC Group of Companies headed by former ambassador Antonio Cabangon-Chua. As a result, all the daily newscasts aired on the now-defunct Solar News Channel now have the word Solar removed, complementing their continuous airing on 9TV. (Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia)

It's been over a month since 9TV came in to our television screens. So far, the new face of RPN 9 did not disappoint many Filipino viewers including myself who want to try a different brand of alternative viewing experience on free TV. I assumed that channel 9 has finally found its true calling after a longtime search for its own niche. And that would be as a news and information channel that aims to reach and widen nationwide free TV audience. In fact, for me or in my point of view, among all the news channels that are available on Philippine free TV, 9TV is simply and possibly the best without any doubt whatsoever.


What makes 9TV the best news channel on free TV for me is definitely its programming strategy, considering that it is formerly known as the Solar News Channel. It is an clear, evident fact that weekdays are always slated for news and information programs, but it is on weekends that makes this channel more interesting. 9TV's beefed-up weekend programming is filled with a various and diverse mix of entertainment and lifestyle programs that would cater every segment of the Philippine viewing population. Perhaps the best highlight of weekend programming on the new channel 9 is its Kids Weekend block, which features the return of Sesame Street and Pokemon on Philippine television with freshly new episodes.

Meanwhile, its lifestyle programs on weekend primetime are complementing well to the young professionals, knowing that each program on channel 9 possess different elements and qualities. Such programs would include Something to Chew On, Boys Ride Out and recently launched new programs Drive and Good Company, among others.

Judging by the non-traditional programming provided by free TV news channels, I think that 9TV's weekend programming is better than the not-so-impressive program lineup of the so-called number one news channel in the Philippines GMA News TV and the rerun-infesting Aksyon TV. However, it can be equal the programming of another alternative free TV channel, which is Net 25. I would surely hope that 9TV, with 9News and its weekend programming, would continue to reach its purpose to inform and entertain many Filipino viewers with its own brand of alternative programming.