The original Channel 5, or Associated Broadcasting
Corporation was established in 1960 by the late Joaquin "Chino"
Roces y Pardo who at that time was also publisher of the leading
English broadsheet, the Manila Times. By virtue of a Congressional
franchise under Republic Act. No. 2945 dated June 19, 1960,
ABC operated as a radio and television broadcasting network
from 1960 until September 21, 1972 when then President Ferdinand
E. Marcos declared martial law. Both Channel 5 and the Manila
Times were forcibly closed for their critical stance against
the Marcos regime and their crusade against the suppression
of press freedom.
After the People Power Revolution in February, 1986, Don Chino
Roces made a successful representation with President Corazon
Cojuangco Aguino for the reopening of ABC.
New stockholders then began the arduous task of resuscitating
the network. The Securities and Exchange Commission granted
their application for an increase in capitalization and amendments
to ABC's articles of incorporation and by-laws. They were subsequently
granted a permit to operate by the National Telecommunications
Commission (NTC).
ABC broke ground in what was to become its new
studio complex in Novaliches, Quezon City in 1990. By the final
quarter of 1991, ABC was on test broadcast. Commercial operation
started in February, 1992. A brand new television and radio
broadcasting network was born -ABC Development Corporation,
doing business under the trade name Associated Broadcasting
Company.
ABC acquired a new franchise to operate on December 9, 1994,
under Republic Act 7831 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos.
In the same year, it went on nationwide satellite broadcasting.
It became the country's fastest-growing network, with its rapid
expansion of provincial stations and cable affiliates all over
the country. It also began to establish a reputation for creativity
and innovation with its groundbreaking programs. Amid the escalating
network war, ABC succeeded in gaining a foothold, as the dark
clouds of the Asian crisis loomed in the horizon. The next several
years were a matter of survival.
A New Beginning
In October, 2003, ABC was acquired by a group led by businessman
Antonio O. Cojuangco, former Chairman of the Philippine Long
Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and owner of Dream Satellite
Broadcasting and Bank of Commerce, among others. Cojuangco,
popularly known as Tonyboy, who serves as President and Chief
Executive Officer, envisions a network that's "strong on
news and public affairs, provides high quality entertainment
and serves as an effective tool with which to shape and mold
a country's ethical values and moral fiber." A whole lot
of changes have been happening and happening fast as ABC reinvents
itself and takes on the challenge of revolutionizing the broadcast
landscape.
ABC's new management team is laying the groundwork
for a highly-competitive cutting-edge television station along
a modernization plan expected to be completed by 2005 at a cost
of over a billion pesos. Top priority is optimum coverage and
TV signal reception. To achieve this, ABC will boost its transmission
power and establish new sites in strategic parts of the country.
Coverage is also being augmented through affiliations and through
synergy with its sister company, DREAM Broadcasting. ABC also
aims to reach audiences in America via its Mabuhay Channel.
ABC's corporate vision and mission have been
realigned to match the new owners' philosophy. The organization
is restructuring and expanding to meet new demands and challenges.
Its programming is evolving along its avowed goal of providing
a true alternative to predictable, undifferentiated program
fare. Under the new owners and management, ABC is determined
to challenge the dominance of the broadcast industry leaders.
Mission Statement
To enrich lives and promote the common good
through quality entertainment, responsible news and information
and beneficial advocacies.
Core Values
Passion for Excellence
Integrity, Sincerity, Truth
Corporate Social Responsibility
Creativity/Innovativeness
Fear of God
