PTV aims to become 2nd top TV network in 2024

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 19) — The state-run People's Television Network (PTV) is aiming to become the second top broadcasting company in the Philippines next year.

During the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) 2024 budget deliberations in the Senate on Monday, PTV general manager Ana Puod said they plan to extensively expand their regional reach for 2024.

“Our goal for next year is to become number two… and hopefully within the next few years ay mag-number one ang PTV sa lahat ng station sa buong Pilipinas,” she said.

[Translation: And hopefully within the next few years, PTV will become the number one station across the Philippines.]

But Puod said this would only materialize with the help of government funding, adding that PTV plans to build 60 digital transmitters nationwide at a cost of ₱25 million each.

“Kailangan nating tapatan ng konting gastos para ma-achieve 'yun [We need to spend a little bit of money to achieve that],” she said.

PTV is an attached government-owned and controlled corporation of the PCO, with ₱129 million allotted to the agency in the proposed 2024 budget.

It is also asking for funds to build its headquarters in Metro Manila.

Sen. JV Ejercito, meanwhile, admitted that media giant ABS-CBN had the most extensive network and its closure left a gap in terms of delivering regional news across the country.

"'Yung [The] ABS-CBN shutdown… 'Yung regional [reach] nila, malaki ang reach, malaki rin ang nawala [Their regional reach is wide and a lot was also lost.] I just have to be honest about it,” he said.

"That has to be covered especially during a crisis and calamity situation," he added.

In response, Puod said PTV is converting one of its channels to become a regional disaster network that will run for about 20 hours per day.