IBC 13

**Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC)** is a Filipino media and entertainment group based in Quezon City, Philippines. It is the government-sequestered company of the Government Communications Group under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Philippines' largest entertainment and media conglomerate in terms of revenue, operating income, net income, assets, equity, market capitalization, and number of employees. IBC was founded in 1959 by Andrés Soriano, Sr. and Dick Baldwin as Inter-Island Broadcasting Corporation thru the tri-media conglomerate of RMN-IBC-Philippine Herald. In 1975, it was renamed and incorporated as the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation on February 1, 1975 owned by Roberto Benedicto from the Benedicto Group of Companies and reflect the company's diversification. It is one of three government-owned and controlled television stations, along with sister media companies People's Television Network and Radio Philippines Network, as well as radio network Philippine Broadcasting Service, forms the media arm of the PCOO.

Founded on October 1959, the group owns and operates three national television networks under IBC brand (IBC, IBC News Network and IBC Plus), the seven digital television channels (IBC Classics, IBCinema, Toon TV, DZTV TeleTrese, DMZ Channel, DepEd TV and Channel V Philippines), two national radio stations (DZTV Radyo13 1386 kHz and 89 DMZ), two regional radio networks (Radyo13 and Danze Music Zone), It also operates two international channels (Global IBC and IBC News Network International), along with subsidiaries dealing in film production and distribution (IBC Films), music recording label, production and publishing (IBC Music), publishing firm (IBC Publishing), talent development and management (IBC Talent Center), cellular telephony provider (IBC Mobile), over-the-top platform (IBC Video), digital terrestrial television providers (IBC Digibox and IBC Go) and a number of internet and digital converging technology (IBC Digital Media) in the Philippines, as well as digital and online portals (IBC Digital, IBC.com.ph, News.IBC.com.ph and 89DMZ.com). The company is a publicly traded company on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

## History

### **The beginnings**

       Island Broadcasting Corporation was established in October 1959 when DZTV Channel 13 in Manila went its test broadcast. On March 1, 1960 at 6:30pm, DZTV-TV 13 was finally launched and it became as the third television station in the country after the monopoly of DZAQ-TV of ABS and DZXL-TV of CBN owned by the Lopez family's Bolinao Electronics Corporation (now ABS-CBN Corporation). Its original location was at the corner of P. Guevarra St. (formerly Little Baguio) in San Juan City from 1960 to 1978. American businessman Dick Baldwin was the station's first owner and programming consisted of mostly foreign programs from CBS and a few local shows. Andrés Soriano, Sr. of San Miguel Corporation, would acquire the network in 1962. Soriano was also a majority owner of the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) and the Philippine Herald newspaper. Soriano's combined media interests formed the first tri-media organization in the Philippines. As the *de facto* television arm of the RMN, it partnered with the RMN radio stations for coverages of the general elections of 1969 and 1971. The station had relay transmitters to bring its programs to viewers in Cebu and Davao, with plans to open more in other cities.

        In between 1970 and 1972, IBC launched its color transmission system named "Vinta Color" named after the vintas from Zamboanga, becoming the third network in the Philippines to convert to all-color broadcasts, after ABS-CBN and RPN. In September 1972, then-President Ferdinand Marcos declared a martial law at the entire country, resulting IBC and other television networks (except Kanlaon Broadcasting System which was owned by a Marcos crony, Roberto Benedicto) was forced to shutdown by the government. However, a few months later, IBC allowed by the government to return on the air.

ABS-CBN veteran Ben Aniceto became the station manager of DZTV Channel 13 from 1973 to 1976.

### **The Benedicto years**

        On February 1, 1975, during the martial law era and the dicratorship of Ferdinand Marcos, due to a constitutional limitation prohibiting the ownership of media by non-Filipinos or corporations not 100% Filipino owned, the network was acquired by a Marcos crony named Roberto Benedicto (who also owned Kanlaon Broadcasting System, which later renamed as Radio Philippines Network or RPN and the now defunct Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation or BBC) and was renamed Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC). IBC would launch an FM station DWKB-FM the same year. Marking the relaunch, the network debuted its vinta logo (which would be used until 1978 in two iterations).

            In 1976, IBC metamorphosed into one of the country's most viewed TV network with its primetime lineup and full length local and foreign films aired on this channel. This catapulted IBC in the number one slot among the four rival networks and also emphasized itself as the birthplace of the golden age of Philippine television, with many top series headlined by hit stars on radio, TV and film. Among its top-rated shows were the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film series of Tarzan that starred Johnny Weissmuller, showbiz talk shows *See-True* and *Seeing Stars* hosted by Inday Badiday and Joe Quirino respectively, and comedy shows *Iskul Bukol*, *Chicks to Chicks*, and *T.O.D.A.S. (Television's Outrageously Delightful All-Star Show)*.

Through the blood and sweat of its employees and the income generated from its programs, the network built and finally moved to its present home at the modern Broadcast City, together with its sister networks RPN and BBC in July 1978. The complex was a 55,000 m2 (590,000 sq ft) tract located at Capitol Hills, Diliman, Quezon City. At the same time, IBC moved its transmitter to San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City to replace the old transmitter in San Juan. IBC manifested an enviable resilience in surviving the challenges. It marked the biggest, most progressive leap any network has ever made. Because of its station produced shows and co-production ventures, it penetrated a wider market. Thus, remarkable productivity surfaced with a acquisition of several provincial TV and radio stations. It was one of the most dominant networks in the days of president Ferdinand Marcos. By 1982, however, IBC would lose its top spot and become the second slot to RPN, albeit with many great local and foreign programs that were popular among viewers.

### **1986-1990: Post-EDSA Revolution, sequestration, E13, and *Pusong Pinoy, Pusong Trese***

     After the People Power Revolution which ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos and install Corazon Aquino as the new president of the Phillippines, IBC, with 20 television stations that time, together with RPN and BBC, was sequestered by the Presidential Commission on Good Government for allegedly being part of the crony capitalism under the Marcos regime. A board of administrators was created to run the station. All of the stocks and assets of IBC, and its sister networks RPN-9 and BBC-2 were sequestered by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG). The new logo, features the IBC and 13 was on the separate circles. When it became a state channel, a new logo debuted featuring IBC and 13 on separate circles, a revamp of an earlier logo which debuted in 1978-79. The new slogan *Basta Pinoy sa Trese* was in a circle to commemorate the People Power Revolution.

President Corazon Aquino turned over IBC and RPN to the Government Communications Group and awarded BBC through an executive order to ABS-CBN. When BBC closed down, both IBC and RPN absorbed majority of its displaced employees, thus doubled the operating expenses of the network. Cost of programs went up three-fold. Line-produced shows and co-production ventures with some big film companies like Viva, Regal, and Seiko were favored, aside from their station-produced programs.

The top rated shows of IBC were pirated by rival networks, however it scored a victory when it acquired the then ABS-CBN program *Loveliness* in 1988, starring Alma Moreno. Cost of programs, talent fees and TV rights increased tremendously. IBC could no longer afford to produce its own shows, save for its news and current affairs programming and special events.

    In 1987, IBC 13 was also named as E13 for the first time and its slogan *Life Begins at 13* noted for the butterfly logo in the form of the letter E and the number 13. In 1987, IBC was renamed as E13 and adopted a new slogan, "*Life Begins at 13*", noted for the butterfly logo in the form of the letter E and the number 13. By then, IBC had struggled to cope with the increased competition from the other networks, particularly from ABS-CBN which skyrocketed to number 1 by 1988.

    In July 1, 1989, the IBC brand returned after two years. The network adopted a new image at the same year, *Pusong Pinoy, Pusong Trese* (*Heart of Filipino, Heart of Thirteen*), to recapture the glory days it once had. But because of the sequestration, periodic change of management and the internal problems, the network started to lose the support from its advertisers. Despite this, the network once more made history when Nora Aunor's *Superstar* was relaunched that fall with her transfer to the IBC network as a network talent.

In February 23, 1990, IBC inaugurated its 500-foot Central Tower located along Roosevelt Ave, San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City, the tallest man-made structure in the country.

### **1990-1992: Islands TV-13**

     Islands Broadcast Corporation under Mr. Alfonso Denoga and Mr. Gil Balaguer took over the management and the marketing of IBC 13 (which was branded as Islands TV-13, pronounced on air as Islands TV one-three) in October 1990, at the time when IBC 13 was dead last (#5) in the ratings. The new logo features a three triangles and a slogan, *The Newest Network* adorn on the logo. It was in the later part of its operations that ratings and income suffered due to mismanagement which caused labor unrest. In March 1993, the Makati RTC issued the court order stopping Islands Broadcast Corporation as the marketing and sales agent of IBC 13 due to unpaid financial obligations to the network as the contract of Islands expired on February 28, 1993 .

### **1992-1998: Return of Operations**

         In October 1992, Islands TV-13 was rebranded back to IBC and became a 100% government owned station by virtue of a compromise agreement between PCGG and Roberto Benedicto. The management and marketing were returned to IBC's board of directors. The programming remained at a standstill in preparation for the launching of a new image of the station.

        It was on May 27, 1994 when IBC launched its new slogan *Pinoy Ang Dating* (loosely translated as *Filipino styled*) with a Filipino-like visually enticing music video featuring Grace Nono, an innovation in terms of station identification. Despite limited resources, programming improved but the battle for audience share continued. Advertisers became more responsive to marketing efforts. The said ident won the Gawad CCP Award for Best Station Identification in the said year.

The following year in 1995, IBC began to broadcast its programs via simulcast nationwide via *Nationwide Satellite Broadcast*, after RPN in 1980, ABS-CBN in 1989, GMA Network in 1991 and PTV in 1992. Soon after, IBC landed 4th place in primetime ratings.

In 1996, Vintage Enterprises transferred to IBC as part of the launching of Vintage Television (VTV), a primetime slot that aired on IBC with *PBA*, *Blow by Blow* and other Vintage Sports-produced programs after moving from another government-owned station, People's Television Network (PTV). The block helped IBC 13 land third in the primetime ratings, mainly credited to the airing of the PBA games. Rehabilitation of the transmitter and other technical facilities where initiated in the network's flagship and provincial stations. At the same time, IBC also installed a new Harris 60-kilowatt transmitter in San Francisco del Monte for clearer TV reception, and utilized the services of the APSTAR 1 Satellite for a broader international reach.

### **1998-2011: At the top: IBC climb regains in dominance**

On July 1, 1998, veteran actress Boots Anson-Roa (replacing Gemiliano Templo) served as the president and general manager of the network, who appointed by the administration of then President-elect Joseph Estrada. In July 13, 1998, the network has been reinvented its Filipino news program *Express Balita* (originally known as *IBC Express Balita* from 1998 to January 4, 2002), which become the national flagship newscast. The same day, it made a return of Filipino language late night news broadcast with the news program *IBC Balita Ngayon*, the third Filipino-language late-night newscast after 8 years of hiatus (with *Balita sa IBC: Huling Ulat* from 1986 to 1989 and *Headline Trese* from 1989 to 1990). As the newscast fasten to higher than its English newscasts, all networks start to follow including GMA Network in November 1998, ABS-CBN in 1999, Radio Philippines Network in 2000, NBN (now PTV) in 2001 and ABC (now 5) in 2004.

 File:IBC 13 Logo ID Pinoy Ang Dating 1998.png   In 2000, Viva Entertainment's subsidiary Viva Television led by Viva chairman and CEO Vic del Rosario, Jr. acquired Vintage Enterprises (including VTV on IBC primetime block) from the Velez family and changed its name to Viva TV, the primetime sports and entertainment block on IBC (5 to 11 p.m. (6 hours) on weeknights, 5 p.m. to 12 midnight (7 hours) on Saturdays and 3:30 to 11 p.m. (7.5 hours) on Sundays) launched on February 20, 2000 with *PBA on Viva TV*. Aside from that, IBC unveiled the primetime slot (7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, 8 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, and 11 p.m. to 12 midnight from Monday to Friday) to boost our programming and producing the station-produced programs (*IBC Express Balita* (4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday), *Ronda Trese* (11 p.m. from Monday to Friday), *Good Take* (11:30 p.m. on Monday), *DMZ-TV* (8 p.m. on Tuesday) and *Last Fool Show* (11:30 p.m. on Friday). It gave the station a boost in the ratings game, IBC remained the number three TV network in the country, a position in viewership at present.

On September 2, 2000, Republic Act No. 8954 renewed IBC its congressional franchise for another 25 years. Under Act No. 3846 or the Radio Control Law signed in 1931 during the American insular government-era, a broadcast company can operate without franchise from the Philippine congress, an authority that limits and regulates operations of telecommunications and broadcast media such as televisions and radios. In the same year, the network scored a major victory with the top-rated Philippine franchise of *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?*.

In February 9, 2001, Lito Balquiedra became the president of the network, replacing Roa when she running for senator. However, Lito was replaced by Renato Bello as the president in July 1, 2001. In August 8, 2001, it announced that Cerge Remonde appointed as the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the network.

 File:IBC 13 Logo 2002.png   On January 1, 2002, IBC launched its new logo and its new slogan *New Face, New Attitude* with a new station ID.

In December 14, 2003, Viva TV on IBC was ended after Viva decided not to renew a blocktime agreement with IBC due to high blocktime costs and low ratings. Despite this, *Star for a Night*, which saw Sarah Geronimo as its winner, its last Viva TV-produced program was aired on IBC on March 1, 2003.

 File:IBC 13 Logo (2003-2011).png   On December 12, 2003, IBC launched again its new logo and its new slogan *Ang Bagong Pilipino* (*The New Filipino*) with a freestyle station ID.

In late 2007, IBC Management inked a deal with the Makisig Network, led by Hermie Esguerra. Makisig was accepted as a primetime block-timer of IBC. However, Makisig Network's programs were not aired due to questions on the propriety of the terms and conditions of the agreement. Said agreement expired in October 2008. In July 2010, IBC also revived their own website, IBC.com.ph, the Filipino television network in the World Wide Web. It was created by IBC Interactive. Also in the same year, IBC began shifting to satellite broadcast, enabling the entire country to watch the same programs simultaneously. This was also the very year when the network began international broadcasts to Guam and Saipan, in the Northern Marianas, also via satellite, yet another first for Philippine and Asian television. At the same time, the network began to increase the number of local TV programs being aired and produced.

### **Abandonment and privatization**

After four decades of serving the network's dominance and entertainment programing, IBC-13's studios and facilities are already upgraded during their network's management. The studio equipment, cameras, lightning and props while cash and budgets will also afford to utilize radio-TV operations. Their programming and airtime were gained from a network war in the late 1980s and the 1990s and many employees lost their jobs. The network suffered more than 800 milion pesos worth of backwages to its employees, some of them are old-timers or those who worked in the network since the 1980s.

At present, IBC has 200 regular employees as of 2016, while 29 of those are talents or in a "contractual basis", particularly from the news and public affairs and entertainment production.

The management tried to revive the ill-fated network but it failed thereafter over a span of 30 years and five Philipppine presidents (Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III).

There were many plans to sell and privatize IBC and RPN. TV network ABS-CBN was planning to buy the network's blocktime to address signal problems and mimic the former's programs. However, ABS-CBN could not join the privatization bid due to ownership regulations.

In 2011, IBC has entered into a joint venture agreement with Prime Realty, an affiliate of R-II Builders Group of Reghis Romero Jr. The agreement called for the development of 3.5 hectares of Broadcast City. With this joint venture agreement with a private business enterprise, the Aquino administration expressed its desire to privatize both RPN and IBC and retain the People's Television (PTV) as a sole-mandated government TV network.

It has been announced that conglomerate San Miguel Corporation will join the government-sponsored bidding for the privatization of RPN and IBC.

### **2011-2013: Relaunch as The Kapinoy Network gaining its dominance**

IBC signed a blocktime agreement with TV5's sports division Sports5 to air live sports coverage via its sports programming *AKTV*. It was launched on June 5, 2011, with the AKTV Run held outside SM Mall of Asia in Bay City, Pasay. At the same day, IBC launched a new logo and slogan *Where the Action Is!* to reflect the change.

In October 2011, IBC saw the return to airing and eventually became the permanent home of the Philippines' professional basketball league Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), which was return for the network after 8 years of hiatus and beginning in the 2011-12 season, as part of Sports5's newest partnership with the league.

Eric Canoy appointed as the chairman of IBC at the time. The new management introduced many changes including a stronger news and public affairs division, high-quality entertainment, modernization of its broadcast equipment, and the acquisition of broadcast rights of Philippine Basketball Association games via Sports5. Additionally, it also relaunched a new advertising campaign and long-time slogan, *Pinoy Ang Dating*, which emphasized the new lineup as being more distinct and new than being aired by its competitors at the time.

For its re-imaging, the new network executives led by Lito Ocampo Cruz coined a new slogan for IBC: *Where the Action Is!*. The slogan was conceived at the height of the "network wars" behind ABS-CBN and GMA Network, which mirrored each other's programming for ratings supremacy. IBC aimed to their practice done by both networks by coming up with different shows with fresh formats to complement its flagship program *PBA*.

The network underwent management changes on June 11, 2012, as IBC 13 unveiled the two new departments, IBC News and Current Affairs (headed by veteran broadcaster Jay Sonza as the news and current affairs head) and IBC Entertainment (headed by Laurenti Dyogi). In July 1, 2012,  the present advertising campaign, branding and slogan, *Kapinoy* (literally means "a member of the Filipino"), which it believes reaffirms the network's commitment to quality Kapinoy programming that will foster the morals and values that are ostensibly upheld in many Filipino culture, families and children. The station inched its way to financial recovery, which it achieved by 2012, regularly garnering around 60% of the market. In 2012, IBC Talent Center was formed and in 2013, IBC launched IBC Music and IBC Films as the company began to diversify. Also, the acquisition and holding of shares of Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation. Its Philippine depository receipt (PDR) is traded in the Philippine Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IBCP.

In 2012, IBC won the '"Best TV Station" award at the 26th PMPC Star Awards for Television, with several other programs on the network also earning awards in their respective categories.

### **2013: IBC at 53**

In 2013, IBC turned 53rd year anniversary since March 1, 1960. In April 11, 2013, MediaQuest chairman Manny Pangilinan announced that AKTV will no longer be renew the blocktime agreement in May due to high costs, and there has been doubts about the future of the network, although the *PBA* games is the only Sports5-produced program airing on IBC at present. In 2012, in pursuant to AO No. 26, IBC handed over its archives to Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for its restoration.

IBC also beefed up their news programs with *Express Balita*, anchored by Snooky Serna-Go and TG Kintanar, and *News Team 13*, anchored by Jay Sonza and Amelyn Veloso. Other reputable news programs followed, such as *Snooky* and *Bitag* are the public service shows and the top-rating talk shows like *Joey & Teysi* and *Showbiz Star*. The entertainment programs of IBC were also beefed up with a mix of programs producing homegrown shows made an impact on Filipino viewers (*TODAS Kids*, *Lunch Break*, *The Weakest Link*, *Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?*, *T.O.D.A.S,*, *Born to be a Superstar*, *KapinoyLand*, *Whattaboys*, *It's Partytime*, *Safe In The Arms Of Love*, *Maya Loves Sir Chief*, *Dear Heart*, *Superstar Circle*, *Frijolito*, *Carita de Angel*, *Abra Gayuma*, etc.) and the home of the *PBA* and *NBA* basketball. The popular anime series in Japan including *Cyborg Kurochan*, *Kirarin*, *Kuroko's Basketball* and *Time Quest* on the surgence of hit animés on Philippine television. The network has also gained popularity with a hit telenovela *La Madrastra* and a hit Koreanovela *Glory Jane*. The top networks are ABS-CBN and GMA Network forced to include Mexican telenovelas, animes and asianovelas to their programming lineup.

### **2014-2017: *Ito'ng Bagong Channel 13*, privatization bids and property issues**

IBC chairman Eric Canoy stepped down from his position after four years on December 31, 2013 as the last day before the new year as he resumed as the chairman of the Radio Mindanao Network (including the flagship UHF TV station BEAM 31). He was replaced by Jose Avellana, who appoined as the new chairman of IBC beginning January 1, 2014. The network begin to target a demographic range of audience by apealing the masses, male audience for sports on weekend (*NBA* and *PBA*) and Pinoy action movies (*Sunday Sinemaks*), and younger viewers for children, teenagers and young adults. Known for their programming, innovative promotions and trend-setting on-ground activities and events, as they complemented by the *Kapinoy* campaign. On January 4, 2014, IBC begins its digital broadcast on digital terrestrial television.

The same year, IBC became the award-winning TV station for the KBP Golden Dove Awards, Anak TV Seal Awards, PMPC Star Awards for TV, Gawad Tanglaw Awards, among others, with several other programs on the network also earning awards in their respective categories.

In time for the station's 55th anniversary, in 2014, IBC launched its new corporate slogan and tagline *Ito'ng Bagong Channel 13* with the station's new jingle performed by the Asia's young singing diva Anja Aguilar and the launch of several new shows such as the phenomenal fantasy series *Janella in Wonderland*, which started the trend of fantaserye genre in order to bring back the glory days of IBC as a giant network and made popular after regained its footing like its rival TV networks; as well as *Tasya Fantasya*, the return of *Joe D'Mango's Love Notes*, *The Million Second Quiz*, *Maghihintay Sa'yo*, *Friends 4Ever*, *Dingdong n' Lani*, the revival of the soap opera *Anna Luna*, *Gaya ng Dati* and *Only Me and You*; a revamped of their major programs for feel-good viewing habit including the daily noontime variety show *APO Tanghali Na!*, the daily morning show *Pilipinas, Gising Ka Na Ba?* and the Sunday noontime youth-oriented musical variety show *Hey it's Fans Day!*; a new look for their flagship news programs *Express Balita* and *News Team 13*, and the return of *CelebrityDATCom*.

Aside from *PBA* on weekends, IBC acquired Filipino broadcast rights of the 2014 Winter Olympics and 2014 Summer Youth Olympics. By that virtue, IBC has been named as the Olympic Network in the Philippines.

In a surge of phenomenal growth at the height of the "network wars", IBC earned a reputation as The Superstar Network under the network's chairman Jose Avellana and Boots Anson-Roa who served as President and CEO, and acquired a new franchise to opeate under Republic Act 10586 signed by the President Noynoy Aquino III.

IBC successfully launched the inaugural *Kapinoy Viewers Choice Awards*, the annual television awards which viewers select their favorite IBC programs voted by Kapinoy viewers through text and online voting, plus daily and grand raffle prizes and big prizes such as Daily On-Air Prizes which acclaimed after 7 days and Grand Prizes unclaimed after 15 days become forfeit which held during the annual television awards. Also in the same year, the network launches *The Grand IBC Kapinoy Mulyung-Mulyong Pasasalamat Raffle Papremyo*, the first, biggest, longest and most dynamic nationwide promo contest by the media network.

IBC signed a memorandum of agreement with the Asian Television Content Corporation under Engr. Reynaldo Sanchez as the major blocktimer of the station. ATC @ IBC launched their programs include the Australian kid-oriented show *Hi-5*, two Mexican telenovelas *The Two Sides of Ana (Dalawang Mukha ni Ana)* and *La Teniente*, and *ONE FC* as well as their newest programs (ATC @ IBC) under IBC News Network (INN) premiered in June 2, 2014. However, on August 31, 2014, programs under ATC @ IBC 13 block (INN) suddenly no longer aired on the network, possibly due to poor ratings and lack of advertisers' support.

PCOO Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a Senate budget hearing for the PCOO last September 3, 2014 that the network will not sell the network because it is still privatized before President Aquino stepping down in the office in 2016 and keeping PTV-4 as the government TV network while RPN and IBC are currently gained the number 3 spot. Process of the privatization will be managed by the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations thru the Development Bank of the Philippines. Business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan is one of the possible bidders for the privatization in which TV5 (a media company under PLDT's MediaQuest Holdings through ABC Development Corporation), despite expiration of blocktime agreement in 2013 (AKTV), is still using IBC's Broadcast City facilities for sports events, including its 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup coverage. However, MediaQuest also could not join the privatization bid due to ownership rules and regulations that MediaQuest owns TV5 and AksyonTV, although Sports5-produced *PBA* games continue to air on IBC (for Saturday and Sunday only) at present.

On June 2, 2015, the Philippine Crusader for Justice (PCJ), led by Joe Villanueva, filed a petition to the Supreme Court of the Philippines to nullify the joint venture agreement between IBC and Primestate/R-II Builders for the development of 3.5 hectares of Broadcast City, after the Office of the Ombudsman found the contract to be disadvantageous to the government. The Ombudsman filed a graft case in 2013 against former IBC executives and Primestate.

On September 12, 2015, IBC recently signed a deal and acquired a partnershp with Secarats Talent Management Services (STMS), the premier supplier of talents on TV, film, commercial, print ads and offer quality, effective, innovative and affordable training for singing, dance, modeling and acting workshop, under the leadership of Francis Custodio Abuan Jr. as the owner and producer. This happened after Secarats resuced the proposal from the former media partner PTV to transfer its young stars of the network that causing controversy. Since then, Secarats gained itself as the line producer and production partner of IBC.

In October 2015, Laurenti Dyogi left his position as the head of IBC Entertainment TV as a result he was returned to ABS-CBN as the returning TV Production Head after 3 years. He was replaced by Wilma Galvante as the network's new Entertainment Head of IBC in October 3, 2015. She retired was officially leaving her post as the Entertainment Head of TV5 and she returned to her position and this time as she head for IBC.

After the major revamp and with the transfer of Secarats artists and talents, IBC introduced its new shows for the 4th quarter of 2015 and 1st quarter of 2016 during the network's trade launch. Included in the lineup of new shows of IBC under Secarats are the first-ever local adaptation of Korean drama *Glory Jane* featuring the Mall Princess and Secarats pioneer artist and premier talent Cherryz Mendoza, the newest incarnation of Mars Ravelo classic *Roberta* featuring Carleen Sky Aclan and Secarats-produced programs with the likes of the young stars of Secarats Artist Group performed in the youth-oriented musical variety show *Hey it's Fans Day!* began in January 17, 2016. Aside from new shows of IBC under Secarats, the network will continue to produce the fantaserye, including the mermaid fantasy series *Syrena* featuring Sofia Andres. In January 16, 2016, the secondary slogan *Ito'ng Bagong Channel 13* was dropped from the brand and retain the long-running slogan and tagline *Pinoy Ang Dating*.

In January 2016, President Benigno Aquino III, through the Governance Commission for Government-owned and -controlled corporation (GCG) appoved the planned privatization of IBC and remained the number 3 in viewership. The privatization will be undergo public bidding with an estimated floor price of 10 billion pesos. The proceeds of the bidding will be for the increase of state-owned PTV-4's capital to upgrade and modernize their broadcast capabilities. The Development Bank of the Philippines will be the financial adviser for the privatization. Incoming PCOO secretary Martin Andanar has already forwarded the privatization plan to President Rodrigo Duterte's executive secretary Salvador Medialdea. Andanar will also coordinate with the GCG before the start of the bidding.

On November 28, 2016, IBC created a sports division, IBC Sports, licensing its PBA and NBA basketball, along with boxing and cockfighting. This will form IBC Sports brand, that will air on IBC and IBC News Network.

Despite the privatization process and financial struggles within the management under the Duterte administration, IBC 13 continues to be on top as one of the Top 3 television networks in the country with male and younger viewers dominated the audience reach and increasing its viewership due to the phenomenal weeknight ratings game of the top-rating primetime superserye *Mars Ravelo's Captain Barbell*, the network's weekend broadcast of the Philippine Basketball Association via IBC Sports and the strengthened Nickelodeon on IBC block during weekend mornings, which included *SpongeBob SquarePants*. The network celebrated their 57th anniversary under the management of Jose Avellana as the chairman in coincide with their trade launch of the newest shows for 2017 held at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field in Taguig City last November 25, 2016.

The privatization process of IBC will be commenced anytime in 2017. As of December 2016, five groups have already showed their interest to join the bidding process. These are Ramon S. Ang of San Miguel Corporation and the groups of former IBC chairman (and current RMN-BEAM chairman and CEO) Eric Canoy and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, energy tycoon and Udenna Corporation chairman Dennis Uy (who recently expanded his business through his recent acquisition of ISM Communications Corporation) and William Lima, a businessman from Davao.

On March 1, 2017, in celebration of its 58th anniversary, IBC retained its in-motion oval logo and image campaign. the Kapinoy, represented by a long-running corporate slogan, *Pinoy Ang Dating*, the italizced typeface and craftily spliced letter B slash number 13. The network unvieled its eurodance-sounding Kapinoy theme song *Pinoy Ang Dating* is composed by Tom Taus and Dingdong Avanzado, arranged by Albert Tamayo and sung by Dingdong Avanzado and Anja Aguilar with a new advertising campaign and station ID. The network adopted a new theme song, which incorporates the vocals of Avanzado and Aguilar. The lyrics famously includes the old slogan *Pinoy Ang Dating*, reminiscing on IBC's successful station ID in the 1990s (1994-2001).

The privatization process of IBC will be commenced anytime in 2017. As of December 2016, five groups have already showed their interest to join the bidding process. These are Ramon S. Ang of San Miguel Corporation and the groups of former IBC chairman (and current RMN-BEAM chairman and CEO) Eric Canoy and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, energy tycoon and Udenna Corporation chairman Dennis Uy (who recently expanded his business through his recent acquisition of ISM Communications Corporation) and William Lima, a businessman from Davao.

As of March 2017, IBC currently operated on a high powered signal and continues to broadcast from cable and satellite providers. According to data from Kantar Media Philippines, IBC currently gained its foothood in Philippine TV ratings game as the network retained the #3 spot among 5 rival networks.

### **2017-2018: *The Birthplace of the Golden Age of Television* and *Trese ng Bayan* era**

    In November 2017, IBC was honored as the "Best TV Station" and won 38 awards at the 31st PMPC Star Awards for Television, with several other programs on the network also earning awards in their respective categories.

On November 8, 2017, IBC retained its in-motion oval logo, the image campaign and the *Kapinoy* moniker, and unveiled a new gold logo, a new station ID, continuity plugs and social media accounts on the same date. On November 13, IBC revamped its new program plugs, teasers and trailers, TV messages and greetings and a new graphics, with a new logo system introduced to represent the network's entire family of networks and brands. On January 1, 2018, the gold logo of IBC also adapted and used in open tags on the network's drama, fantasy and comedy shows as well as *KapinoyLand* and Korean dramas regardless of the program's original airdate, while the episodes aired before the new logo launch.

Two months since the network introduced their new gold logo in 2017 and in celebration of its 58th anniversary as *The Birthplace of the Golden Age of Television*, the new-look IBC was relaunched to the public in a trade launch on January 27, 2018 at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field, Taguig City. During the trade launch, the network showcased their dominance of viewership and ratings, their social media presence and their revivalized program line-up from entertainment, sports and news and current affairs programs produced by the network and their partnerships. IBC went on a major revamp to bring back their old glory in the network’s current state with the relaunch of a new jingle, a new advertising campaign and their new slogan *Trese ng Bayan* (*Thirteen of the Nation*) with a new station ID and the newest Kapinoy theme song composed by Hazel Faith dela Cruz and performed by Jeffrey Hidalgo and Anja Aguilar, which started on the following day, January 28, 2018 on the network's noontime youth-oriented variety show *Hey it's Fans Day!*. Also, the network's current station ID in short version during the top/bottom of the hour before start the programs as well as during commercial breaks/reminders, it also aired on its sister channel, IBC News Network.

With the relaunch, IBC 13 continues to be on top as one of the Top 3 television networks in the country with male and younger viewers dominated the audience reach due to the network's weekend broadcast of the Philippine Basketball Association via IBC Sports, the National Basketball Association every Saturday morning, the top-rating and award-winning curriculum-based sitcom *Iskul Bukol* every Saturday night and the strengthened IBC Anime block, which included the anime franchise of *Duel Masters* and *Sailor Moon Crystal*.

Manolito "Lito" Ocampo-Cruz, the president and CEO of IBC, died of cancer on October 10, 2018. The same day, during the company's annual stockholders meeting, the IBC Board of Directors voted in favor and the death of Lito as the president and CEO and Katherine de Castro as his successor as president and CEO of the network, while Robert T. Rivera took over the COO of the network.

### **Recent developments**

In late 2018, IBC began to revitalize its infrastructure and its programming after DOT Undersecretary of Tourism Advocacy and Public Affairs Kat de Castro appointed as president and chief executive officer of the network, replaced Manolito O. Cruz (who passed away on October 10 of the same year).

By December of the same year, the network transferred its studios and offices to its new building as the new headquarters IBC Compound Center at Capitol Hills Drive corner Zuzuarregui Street, Barangay Matandang Balara, Diliman, Quezon City (a property beside Broadcast City, their home for 40 years) to give way for the redevolopment of the Broadcast City property into the Larossa Condominium project of Primehomes Real Estate Development Inc. IBC also upgraded its Roosevelt Avenue analog transmitter for the Mega Manila area.

The network was officially announced by Chairman Jose Avellana on December 28, 2018, along with the announcement of a new lineup of programming to debut on the network, along with a new campaign branding itself as the "Kaibigan" ("friend") network, in line with the network's relaunch and re-branding and in celebration of its 60th anniversary since its inception in October 1959. The campaign was aggressively undertaken, with the Kaibigan, represented by a new slogan "*Kaibigan Mo!*". The "Kaibigan" theme song is sung by the Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo, who crossovered to the network as a network talent. The network's current station ID in short version during the top/bottom of the hour before start the programs as well as during commercial breaks/reminders it also aired on its sister channels, IBC News Network, IBC Plus and IBC Classics.

By January 2019, IBC had regained its leadership in the Philippine TV ratings from the strong number 3 to being number 1 again nationally - as a result of the new era. On February 11, 2019, IBC announced a major revamp of its programming, including the reinvention of IBC's popular entertainment and cultural shows, and other entertainment and sports content from SMAC Television Production (later transfered to PTV as the entertainment content provider in May 2019) and ATC, among others.

On February 14, 2020, it was confirmed by Secretary Martin Andanar, Robert T. Rivera has been appointed as the new President and CEO of IBC, replacing Katherine "Kat" de Castro who has been appointed as the new General Manager and COO of PTV, while Atty. Jess Anthony Q. Yu took over the COO of the network's overall operations.

In March 10, 2020, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that had recently spread across the country, President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of state of public health emergency and the World Health Organization's declaration as a pandemic, IBC announced that will temporary suspending their studio audience tapings for all of its shows, including the former's *APO Tanghali Na!*, *It's Quiz Time*, *The Jon Santos Show*, *DMZ TV Reload*, *P.O.13*, *Who Wants to be a Millionaire?*, *Sarah G. Live* and *TSAS (The Sunday Afternoon Show)*. The suspensions are for the safety and well-being of the artists, crew, and production teams. The aforementioned shows will continue to air in production without a studio audience as a precautionary measure.

In March 15, 2020, IBC temporary suspend production on teleseryes and live entertainment shows as the coronavirus pandemic continues to become a serious issue, with their episodes that were scheduled to be completed, this is due to President Rodrigo Duterte implementing an enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and Luzon in line with the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Among of the primetime shows were affected including *Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang*, which will be on hold from the schedule beginning March 16 until some time in June 2020. The network aired reruns of some teleseryes and other programs including *Glory Jane* and *Janella in Wonderland*; only *Iskul Bukol* will continue to air a new episodes, despite a suspension of tapings. Thus, the network airs the PCOO-produced briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines called *Public Briefing: #LagingHandaPH*. On March 27, 2020, IBC began live on television via a video conferencing app, including *APO Tanghali Na!*, *DMZ TV Reload* and *Sarah G. Live*.

At present, since May 2020, IBC became one of the leading television networks in the country and revived as the original number 1 in order to dominate the audience share and viewership to compete with its rival TV network, GMA Network and other TV networks in the Philippines, including PTV.

In May 2020, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar announced that IBC pioneered its educational television programming by the Department of Education's DepEd TV programming block on analog free-to-air television, the test broadcasts aired from August 11 until 21, 2020 and again from September 21 until September 25, 2020 and broadcast formally started on October 5, 2020, the starting date of classes in public schools throughout the country. On June 2020, IBC resumes the production of the network's drama and entertainment shows. In addition, stars from the foreclosed ABS-CBN were announced to be transferred to IBC as the former implemented retrenchments following the non-renewal of its broadcast franchise. Currently, IBC is in talks with the same network for the possibility to hire the displaced employees of its former rival with IBC chairman Jose Avellana stating that they are open to work with them.

### **The *Kaibigan* network**

In 2019, in celebration of its 60th anniversary of Philippine entertainment, IBC launched its present brand name, "*Kaibigan*" (literally means "a member of the friend").

### **Expansion**

Since the 2010, IBC has expanded into various successful media and entertainment ventures such as new media with IBC Digital Media, international television distribution with IBC International, penetrating the video rental market with IBC Televideo, pay TV with IBC Cable Channels, talent development and management with IBC Talent Center, print publishing with IBC Publishing, music and video recording, publishing and distribution with IBC Music, film and television production and distribution with IBC Films, telecommunications with IBC Convergence and sports programming with IBC Sports.

On June 6, 2011, IBC signed a historic deal with Dish Network and DirectTV to bring the first trans-Pacific Asian programming to some two million Filipino immigrants in the United States. This deal would later gave birth to Global IBC which is now available globally. This global expansion signals a new directions for IBC as it becomes accessible to the rest of the world, particularly the millions of Filipinos overseas.

The company has also syndicated its programs for international audience through its IBC International Distribution division. Among the programs that gained popularity abroad are the popular and top-rating shows like *Janella in Wonderland*, *Voltron Man*, *Glory Jane*, *Syrena* and *Iskul Bukol*.

IBC had a venture in online gaming industry in the Philippines through its subsidiary IBC Multimedia, Inc. Another venture was the 5 million dollar deal with the social network site Facebook.

The network has its own merchandising in our local and worldwide markets incorporates the licensing and merchandise IBC Licensing Group, selling merchandise featuring IBC shows, the network-based department to produce merchandising items from IBC programs. The Kaibigan Network began to produce a music-themed series for the network through the music recoreding company IBC Music, help launch albums in conjunction with the label tied to IBC shows and produce original songs for the programs to be released as singles as result.

In response to the process of shifting to Digital Television Philippines, IBC will invests P300-500 million as the preparation for its shift to digital TV. IBC, IBC News Network and IBC Plus conducts digital test broadcast on channels 26 to 28 operated by Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation.

On 30 May 2013, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, through its subsidiary IBC Convergence, Inc., signed a network sharing agreement with Globe Telecom for a new mobile telephony service in the country. The agreement includes the sharing of assets including switches, towers, servers, and frequencies. IBC is expected to spend between 1 to 3 billion pesos for the next two years to build up its telco business. The plan has been approved by the National Telecommunications Commission and operates as IBC Mobile.

## Mascot

IBC, the sequestered mascot dressed in a Filipino shirts hat introduced by the brand in 2012 is probably the most widely recognized character in the Philippines.

### **Puppets**

From the success of Kapinoy mascots, IBC also another first in puppets in a Filipino hat introducing by the brand by September 30, 2012 is probably the most widely recognized character in the Philippines.

## Subsidiaries

*Main article*: List of assets owned by Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation

## See also

* List of Philippine media companies
* Philippine television networks
* Television channels
* People's Television Network
* Philippine Broadcasting Service
* Radio Philippines Network
* IBC-13 Program Schedule

## External links

* Official website
* IBC on KBP
* Media Ownership Monitor Philippines - Media Companies: A Triopoly Rules by VERA Files and Reporters Without Borders

1. ↑ 1960 0301 DZTV 13 opening ad |publisher=gorio72 on Flickr |date=March 1, 1960 |accessdate=August 4, 2020
5. ↑ KBP Members|publisher=Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas|accessdate=August 1, 2020
6. ↑ ABS-CBN's post-EDSA boss Ben Aniceto passes away|publisher=*ABS-CBN News*|date=March 21, 2016|accessdate=March 21, 2016
7. ↑ IBC 13 Official Website > About Us|website=Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation|accessdate=August 1, 2020
9. ↑ Court stopped TV-13 marketing agent
10. ↑ IBC-13 "Pinoy Ang Dating" MTV
11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xJj1ME0meQ
12. ↑ Red, Isah V. (1996, March 23). VTV SHAKES INDUSTRY. (Ester. G. Dipasupil, Ed.) Manila Standard, X(42), p. 28B.
13. ↑ R.A. 8954|website=The LawPhil Project|date=September 2, 2000|accessdate=August 1, 2020
14. ↑ Sarah Geronimo Star For A Night To Love You More Winning Piece|publisher=Viva Entertainment YouTube|date=February 28, 2013|accessdate=February 28, 2013
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Duterte govt eyes sale of IBC-13 for P10B|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=June 17, 2016|accessdate=June 17, 2016
17. ↑ PCGG urges gov’t to fast-track sale of RPN-9, IBC-13 *ABS-CBNnews.com*. 2010-08-10. Retrieved 2010-08-10.
18. ↑ Mirror,Mirror on the Airwaves *Inquirer.net*. 2011-02-11. Retrieved 2011-02-28.
19. ↑ San Miguel still keen on IBC-13, RPN-9 *PhilStar.com*. 12-26-2011. Retrieved 12-26-2011.
20. ↑ Coloma: Privatization of RPN 9, IBC 13 in the works *GMANews.TV*. 03-01-2011. Retrieved 03-01-2011.
21. ↑ Aquino government set to privatize RPN-9, IBC-13 *MB.com.ph*. 03-01-2011. Retrieved 03-01-2011.
22. ↑ San Miguel to join bidding for RPN-9, IBC-13 *PhilStar.com*.  03-06-2011. Retrieved 03-06-2011.
23. ↑ San Miguel Corp. announces plan to bid for RPN-9 and IBC-13 *PEP.ph*.  03-06-2011. Retrieved 03-06-2011.
24. ↑ TV5 airs primetime sports block AKTV on IBC-13 *PhilStar.com*. Retrieved 2011-02-28.
25. ↑ AKTV Official Website retrieved via www.interaskyon.com/aktv 05-11-2011
26. ↑ MediaQuest keen on IBC-13 retrieved via www.philstar.com 04-04-2011
27. ↑ [1] "PhilStar.com". Retrieved 2013-05-14.
28. ↑ Birthplace of the Golden Age of Television|publisher=The Philippine Star |accessdate=13 March 2019 |date=26 September 2012
29. ↑ IBC New Shows
30. ↑ [2]
31. ↑ Asian Television Content Phl Corp. launches top-notch TV programs | publisher=*Philippine Star* | date=June 1, 2014 | accessdate=June 1, 2014
32. ↑ IBC-13 to be privatized before Aquino steps down – Coloma | publisher=*Rappler* | date=September 3, 2014 | accessdate=September 3, 2014
33. ↑ Viva Television using IBC-13 facilities | publisher=*BusinessMirror* | date=September 17, 2014 | accessdate=September 18, 2014
35. ↑ Gov't TV station 'bulok,' says incoming PCOO chief Andanar|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=June 7, 2016|accessdate=June 8, 2016
36. ↑ President Aquino approves privatization of IBC-13|publisher=Official Gazette|date=January 25, 2016|accessdate=January 25, 2016
42. ↑ Duterte appoints Kat de Castro to state-run IBC-13|newspaper=The Philippine Star|date=August 22, 2018|accessdate=August 1, 2020
43. ↑ Kat de Castro out of DOT|website=ABS-CBN News|date=August 22, 2018|accessdate=August 1, 2020
44. ↑ Duterte appoints Kat De Castro to gov’t-owned IBC-13|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=August 22, 2018|accessdate=October 24, 2020
45. ↑ [3]Ex-DOT usec Kat de Castro named to IBC board, Duterte frat brod to OFW commission|website=GMA News|date=August 22, 2018|accessdate=October 24, 2020]
46. ↑ ‘Underutilized’ IBC-13 can be used as educational channel, says Andanar|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=May 14, 2020|accessdate=October 24, 2020