Mel Velarde keen on going to TV, radio broadcasting

NOW's broadcasting affiliates have applied for radio frequencies and have ongoing applications for Direct Terrestrial Television Broadcast (DTTB), for which quasi-judicial hearings started since 2017. The NOW Group is very interested in TV and radio broadcasting because of its wide-spread coverage for news delivery, public information, and distance learning according to NOW's President and CEO Mel Velarde.

In line with the need for information and education nationwide, what Mr. Velarde is also proposing, together with the Board of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (“AIJC”) of which Mr. Velarde is Chairman, is a Philippine Public Broadcasting Station (PPBS). The PPBS will not be owned by the government nor by the private sector with commercial interests. The public will own it with built-in guarantees that represent all sectors of Philippine society. According to UNESCO, a PPBS would help strengthen democratic institutions, especially in a young developing country such as the Philippines.

The NOW Group is interested mostly in radio and DTTB operations, which have a more significant impact on news, public affairs, and distance learning. Mr. Velarde believes applying for TV and radio licenses is an obligation mandated in broadcasting franchises granted by Congress, to operate. Mr. Velarde encourages as many applications for TV and Radio licenses to fill the void that exists due to the demise of ABS-CBN TV and Radio signals in the air. “The sooner this is done, and the most qualified among the applicants, with a verifiable and excellent track record, can operate the said frequencies, the better for the country,” says Mr. Velarde. “If these frequencies fall into the wrong hands, then the intent of Congress, which represents the people, shall be compromised.”

Source: Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication

Source: Peso Economics