• Company name: ABS-CBN Corporation
• Founded: June 13, 1946
• Industry: Media and Entertainment
• Headquarters: ELJ Communications Center
• Headquarters location: Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
• President and CEO: Carlo L. Katigbak
• Chairman: Martin L. Lopez
• Parent company: Lopez Holdings Corporation
• Slogan: “In the Service of the Filipino”

ABS-CBN produces television programs, films, music, news, sports, documentaries, and digital content. It distributes content through television, streaming platforms, cable channels, YouTube, social media, and international services. 2

ABS-CBN traces its origins to Bolinao Electronics Corporation (BEC), founded in 1946 by James Lindenberg. Initially focused on radio equipment, the company entered broadcasting before launching Philippine television.

In 1952, businessman Antonio Quirino acquired the company and renamed it Alto Broadcasting System (ABS). On October 23, 1953, ABS aired the country’s first television broadcast.

In 1956, the Chronicle Broadcasting Network (CBN) was established by Eugenio Lopez Sr. The Lopez family acquired ABS in 1957, and in 1967 the operations of ABS and CBN were formally merged into ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation.

In 2010, the corporate name was officially changed to ABS-CBN Corporation to reflect its expansion beyond broadcasting into broader media and entertainment businesses. 3

During the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, ABS-CBN became the Philippines’ leading television network, producing many of the country’s highest-rated:

• Television dramas
• Variety shows
• News programs
• Reality competitions
• Children’s programming
• Films
• Music releases

The company also expanded into:

• Film production
• Cable television
• Music recording
• Publishing
• Digital media
• Streaming services
• International television distribution

Its overseas service, The Filipino Channel (TFC), became one of the largest television services for overseas Filipinos, reaching audiences across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. 4

ABS-CBN has operated or continues to operate several well-known brands, including:

• Kapamilya Channel
• The Filipino Channel (TFC)
• iWantTFC
• ABS-CBN News
• Star Music
• Star Cinema
• Cinema One
• MYX
• ANC 5

ABS-CBN News is one of the Philippines’ most recognized news organizations. It produces:

• National news broadcasts
• Investigative journalism
• Election coverage
• Business news
• International reports
• Digital news content

Its reporters and journalists have received numerous national and international journalism awards over the years. 6

ABS-CBN has produced many of the Philippines’ most successful television programs and films. Its content includes:

• Primetime dramas
• Romantic comedies
• Action series
• Talent competitions
• Variety shows
• Game shows
• Sitcoms
• Documentaries
• Concerts
• Original streaming productions

The company also manages artists through its entertainment divisions and develops original intellectual property for domestic and international audiences. 7

ABS-CBN serves millions of overseas Filipinos through:

• International television channels
• Streaming services
• Mobile applications
• Digital platforms
• Content licensing partnerships

Its global distribution enables Filipino-language programming to reach audiences in many countries. 8

A major turning point occurred in 2020, when ABS-CBN’s congressional broadcast franchise expired. The company ceased its free-to-air television and radio broadcasting after receiving a cease-and-desist order from the National Telecommunications Commission. Later that year, the House of Representatives voted against granting a new franchise.

Although it no longer operates its former nationwide free-to-air broadcast network, ABS-CBN continued producing news and entertainment content through cable television, digital platforms, streaming services, partnerships with other broadcasters, and international distribution. 9

ABS-CBN states that its mission is to serve Filipinos by providing information, news, and entertainment while continuing to innovate across media platforms. The company emphasizes creativity, public service, and connecting Filipino communities worldwide. 10

ABS-CBN is widely regarded as one of the most influential media organizations in Philippine history. It pioneered television broadcasting in the country, helped shape modern Philippine entertainment and journalism, and remains a major producer and distributor of Filipino content despite significant changes to its broadcasting operations. 11

1. ABS-CBN CORPORATION
2. Company History | About ABS-CBN Corporation
3. HOME | ABS-CBN Corporate
4. Philippines’ biggest TV network shut down amid feud with Duterte
5. ABS-CBN’s official statement on recent claims and issues related to the Lopez family dispute
6. abs-cbncares.org
7. History of ABS-CBN | ABS-CBN Wiki | Fandom
8. ABS-CBN | ABS-CBN Wiki | Fandom
9. ABS-CBN Corporation | ABS-CBN Wiki | Fandom
10. ABS-CBN | ABS-CBN Wiki | Fandom
11. History of ABS-CBN | Philippine Television Wiki | Fandom