Senate approves extension of legislative franchise of two broadcast companies

THE Senate passed on third and final reading the bills extending the franchise granted to two radio station operators by another 25 years.

The franchises of Raven Media Broadcasting Corporation under House Bill No. 6707 and Advanced Media Broadcasting System, Inc. under House Bill No. 6708 were approved with 17 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and no abstention.

Raven Media operates the FM radio station Jam 88.3, which airs alternative and independent music. Meanwhile, Advanced Media operates the FM radio station 103.5 K-Lite, which airs popular songs from the 1990s and 2000s.

Both firms form part of the media management company Tiger 22 Media Corporation, which was founded by Rufia Dorothy Vera. It also handles FM radio stations Magic 89.9, Wave 89.1 and Play 99.5.

The franchises allowed Raven Media and Advanced Media, to operate “radio and/or television broadcasting stations, including digital television system, through microwave, satellite or whatever means, as well as the use of any new technology in television and radio systems.”

Their franchises may also be revoked upon failure to operate continuously for two years, under the proposed measures.

The broadcast firms are also required to provide “public service time” for Filipinos to be informed of important public issues. The bills also allow for the companies’ self regulation of its broadcast content.

They are also required to inform Congress of any sale, lease, transfer, grant of usufruct or transfer of controlling interests within 60 days of the completion of the transaction. Failure to report to Congress will result to a franchise revocation.

An annual report of their compliance to the terms and conditions of the franchise must also be submitted to Congress. Failure to do so will subject the company to a fine of P500 per working day of noncompliance.

The Senate provided amendments in the House Bills which directs the broadcast firms to create employment opportunities and to hold on-the-job trainings in their franchise operations. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

https://www.bworldonline.com/senate-approves-extension-of-legislative-franchise-of-two-broadcast-companies/