Radio Philippines Network

**Radio Philippines Network**
 Availability
 Founded

**Radio Philippines Network**
 Branding
 Founded
 Former names

**Radio Philippines Network, Inc. (RPN)** is a Filipino-based media company and a Philippine free-to-air broadcast television network of the Government Communications Group under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) in the Philippines. It is the flagship media property of Nine Media Corporation of the ALC Group of Companies; along with the Far East Managers and Investors Inc., owned by the family of company founder Roberto Benedicto, among others, as the major shareholders.

The network's main offices, studios, broadcast facilities, and transmitter are located at the RPN Compound, #97 Panay Avenue, Brgy. South Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City. Founded by Roberto Benedicto and the sister station of the government owned and controlled Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation. RPN, along with sister media companies People's Television Network and the third broadcasting giant Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, as well as radio network Philippine Broadcasting Service, forms the media arm of the PCOO.

Among its assets are the broadcast television networks with airtime being leased by its parent Nine Media, serving as two broadcasters as RPN and CNN Philippines, a local franchise of the Cable News Network; the radio network Radyo Ronda (RPN Radio) as partial affiliate of sister station DWIZ in Metro Manila, and digital and satellite television channels (the teleradyo channel DZKB Radyo Ronda TV, the archive channel Retro RPN), the all-day kids’ channel RPN Kids, the lifestyle and leisure channel RPN Life and the music channel RPN Play. In 2018, digital terrestrial television service RPN Digivisionbox. It also operates international television channels (RPN Global and RPN USA) as well as digital and online portals (RPN9.com, News.RPN9.com and RPNRadio.com).

RPN is currently the proud member of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

## History

### **As Kanlaon Broadcasting System (1960-1975)**

Radio Philippines Network was founded on February 25, 1960 with the congress of the Philippines approved its franchise of Radio Philippines Network n June 19, 1960. Instead of using its franchise name, the network instead first used Kanlaon Broadcasting System as its initial branding. Kanlaon is a volcano on the Philippine island of Negros, the home of its founder Roberto Benedicto. Kanlaon Broadcasting System started broadcasting as a radio network with its first station DZBI in Manila. By 1967, KBS had metamorphosed into a full network, with seven radio stations all over the country namely, DZRR and DZAX in Manila, DZBS in Baguio, DZTG in Tuguegarao, DZRL in Laoag (later moved to Batac), DXXX in Zamboanga and DXDX in Dadiangas. Philippine radio veteran Ben Aniceto was the operations director at the time.

The broadcast network ventured into television broadcasting on October 15, 1969 with the launch of KBS-9 Manila as the network's flagship TV station. KBS-12 Baguio was also signed on the air on the same year. Properties and funding for the nascent TV network partly came from ABS-CBN in the form of its old headquarters along Roxas Boulevard and equipment from Toshiba enabling them to broadcast in color. As a result, on its launch it was branded *Accucolor 9 - an RPN station* ("Accucolor" is the name of the color technology used) as the first Philippine television network to launch in full color.

In 1970, KBS also acquired a Color-ready Outside Broadcast Van for the remote broadcasts of major news events and sports coverages. The network also pioneered newscasting on television, as they launched the first ever newspaper-format nightly newscast titled *NewsWatch*. Back then, broadcast hours were limited to late afternoons up to around midnight; except for Sundays, when the channel begins transmissions after midday.

In 1971, KBS becomes firmly established as an all-color television network, consisting of four full powered provincial stations, strategically situated in Baguio (KBS-12), Bicol (KBS-10 in Iriga), Bacolod (KBS-8), and Cebu (KBS-9 in Mandaue), alongside the flagship station (KBS-9) in Manila, with plans to expand southward into Mindanao at that time.

On September 23, 1972, the KBS television and radio stations and the newspaper publication *Philippines Daily Express*, all belonging to the Roberto Benedicto group, were allowed to operate during the martial law period with the former airing *Wacky Races* and Francisco Tatad's reading of Proclamation No. 1081, where most of the media outfits were closed down after the declaration of martial law with Proclamation No. 1081 by Ferdinand Marcos. In 1973, RPN brought the first slow-motion machine to support the coverage of the MICAA Games. Color production with color-ready equipment would enable the government to invest in RPN for color coverages of national events, as then state network GTV (now PTV), which began two years later after the beginning of martial law, was mostly monochrome before its first color broadcasts in 1976.

### **The First Radio Philippines Network (1975-1989)**

#### **Benedicto ownership (1975-1986)**

In 1975, KBS formally relaunched as RPN, the acronym for its franchise name, Radio Philippines Network (the RPN name was first used in the provincial stations before the RPN brand would later be used for the Manila station as well; the KBS name was also used for other aspects such as KBS Sports until 1986). The network covered special events such as the Olympic Games (it is also the first sporting coverage to broadcast in full color), Thrilla in Manila in 1975; and also became the official broadcaster for the Miss Universe pageant held in Manila in 1974. The network also headlined some top-rated programs such as *John en Marsha* (which both the media and academe regarded the show as the paradigm of development communication), *Flordeluna* and *Superstar* (formerly known as *The Nora Aunor-Eddie Peregrina Show*). RPN became the birthplace and the first humble abode of the now longest running daytime variety show *Eat Bulaga!* (premiering in 1979); as well as the longest running game show on Philippine television *Family Kuarta o Kahon* hosted by Pepe Pimentel (originally aired on ABS-CBN then BBC-2); which it aired for almost 38 years, until it finally folded up during the year 2000. The network also pioneered the use of computer graphics for their program plugs and station IDs, as well as for the broadcasts of its easily recognizable digital clock embedded on the lower left part of the screen during the entire broadcast day except for newscasts, commercials, continuity plugs, station ID, and during sign-off; eventually becoming the centerpiece of the network's broadcasts for 32 years (starting in 1975), until it was abandoned in 2007; and after the fire that razed its first studios on June 6, 1973, RPN moved to the Broadcast Plaza (now ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center) in the same year, and to its current Broadcast City home in July 1978, alongside sister networks Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), with the transmitter of RPN located along Panay Avenue, Quezon City as the newly upgraded for better broadcast reception.

RPN also aired anime programming (making them one of the first to do so in the country) and imported and syndicated programs from the United States. RPN is the first network to cover the Philippine Basketball Association games live in 1976, before the broadcasts moved on to BBC.

On January 15, 1980, RPN began to broadcast primetime programs through its new domestic satellite technology (DOMSAT) in which the 1980s logo resembles a satellite antenna. On May 18, 1982, *Eat Bulaga!* was also included to the list of the network's DOMSAT-simulcast programs. This made RPN the first national network to achieve nationwide program simulcasting via satellite in 24 TV stations across the Philippines.

The network also became home to, from 1978 up to the early 1980s, the Super Sentai series (making it the first in the Philippines to do so, becoming a pioneer in broadcasting tokusatsu and sentai programs in the country in the process). These made it a reason for the network in 1982 to adopt *The Leader* as its official slogan, coupled with its Number 9 and the red corporate logos (the latter which is still the current logo of the network up to this day), due to its massive successes as the nation's number one network. In 1986, after the assumption of office of President Corazon Aquino, the government sequestered Radio Philippines Network for allegedly being part of the crony capitalism under the Marcos regime. By then, it was the leading network in the Philippines cornering the highest audience share in the entire country. During the live broadcast of Marcos' inauguration from the Malacañang Palace during the last day of the People Power Revolution, rebels shut down the RPN transmitter in Panay Avenue, and it resumed broadcasts again on March 3, 1986.

In June 29, 1985, RPN celebrated its 25th anniversary of the network with its jingle *Salamat sa RPN*, a theme song which was performed by The CompanY, with the men and women of RPN. In the same year in 1985, however, RPN fell to the 2nd place in a ratings-wise, after IBC took over in the top spot due to its plenty of masa programming.

Ernesto "Ernie" Angeles was the station's voice-over continuity of RPN from 1975 to 1989.

#### **First Downfall, Post-EDSA Revolution, Sequestration (1986-1989)**

After the People Power Revolution, which ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos and installed Corazon Aquino as president in February 1986, the stock and assets of RPN, IBC and BBC were sequestered by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG). President Corazon Aquino awarded BBC's Channel 2 frequency and its affiliates, through an executive order, to ABS-CBN, and RPN's and IBC's assets were turned over to the Government Communications Group and placed under the management of a Board of Administrators tasked to operate and manage its business and affairs subject to the control and supervision of Presidential Commission on Good Government.

The period saw a major decline for RPN as its resources became outdated and endured major mismanagement which led to the network either shutting down or selling its stations. From being number 1 in the ratings, RPN's ratings slumped, due to the growth of IBC and GMA Radio-Television Arts, and more importantly as a result of ABS-CBN's meteoric rise to the number 1 spot in 1988. RPN transmitter was still standing in Panay Avenue was attacked by some reformist soldiers, the foto was published in Philippine Panorama's EDSA issue in March 9, 1986. This was the time RPN, together with IBC, are being controlled by the government-appointed board of directors.

During the post-EDSA Revolution era, RPN launched the first Filipino-created animated series, *Ang Panday*. By 1989, some of RPN's programming such as *John en Marsha* and *Superstar* were cancelled, and TAPE Inc.'s daytime programs *Eat Bulaga!*, *Agila* and *Coney Reyes on Camera* (a co-production with Coney Reyes' CAN Television) moved under a co-production agreement to ABS-CBN, as they saw the resurgent network as a vital element in the sustaining of the three shows' success. By then, the once-dominant RPN had fallen to 4th place, trailing far behind ABS-CBN and GMA and locked in a losing battle with PTV for 3rd place.

### **New Vision 9 (1989-1994)**

In October 8, 1989, RPN was renamed as New Vision 9 to recoup lost audience share in the ratings game of  Philippine television networks. At the same year, New Vision 9 transmitter's effective radiated power was increased to 1 million watts, ensuing clearer and better signal reception in the Greater Luzon Area. The rebrand was took place after RPN and Syndicated Media Access Corporation (SMAC) took over the network's management and marketing. The rebranding, although it proved futile in the turnaround of RPN's ratings, did make history for the network as it pioneered 24-hour television broadcasting in the Philippines. During the latter part of the New Vision 9 period, its ratings further suffered at last place in primetime (behind ABS-CBN, GMA, ABC, IBC, and PTV). Worse yet, RPN's nationwide reach suffered as well as its TV network - largely due to continued financial turmoil - shrunk from 24 TV stations by 1989 to just eight by 1994.

At the same year in 1989, Andy Santillan (as The Unbeatable) (1989-2001, 2003-2008) joins RPN as the residential announcer when the network becomes New Vision 9.

By then, RPN not only had to deal with the continued dominance of ABS-CBN and GMA, but also the return of another station shut down during martial law, ABC, and the onset of cable and UHF channels which started to eat up the audience shares of the least-watched networks.

### **The Second Radio Philippines Network (1994-2007)**

#### **Telenovela Dominance; World-class Primetime Programming (1994-2003)**

In October 4, 1994, New Vision 9 was renamed back as Radio Philippines Network (RPN) and in the same year, RPN became the second VHF television network in the Philippines to broadcast in full surround stereo (after GMA Network introduced StereoVision in 1987). Following this, RPN managed to recover in primetime ratings, from dead last in 1994 to fifth place in 1995, beating PTV (which by then suffered a major blow after losing the rights to one of its top-raters, the PBA games, to IBC). This, along with it being number 3 in daytime ratings, helped RPN to challenge ABC for third place in total day ratings.

In 1996, the network quickly regained its foothold when it began to broadcast a Tagalog dub of the 1994 Mexican telenovela *Marimar*, which turned out to be a phenomenal success, and discombobulating the competition for some time. This telenovela marks RPN's rebirth and resurgence, 10 years after the government sequestered the network and suffer huge losses thereafter.

The network became the driving force in Tagalog-dubbed foreign programs and movies and made the popular and turnaround its ratings on the evening prime time. Due to the success, the other networks followed and broadcast telenovelas not only from Mexico but also Spanish language telenovelas from the United States, Colombia (GMA 7's *Betty La Fea*), Venezuela (GMA 7's *Samantha* and *All My Love*) and Argentina (GMA 7's *Monica Brava*) and eventually even drama series from Brazil (ABS-CBN's *Ana Manuela*) and Asian drama series from Taiwan (notably *Meteor Garden*) and South Korea (notably *Bright Girl*). The network also became the home of the cream of the crop amongst the English language television programs around the world; with its strong primetime programming line-up, consisting of some of the most awarded and most nominated American TV shows such as *Ally McBeal*, *NYPD Blue*, *Dharma and Greg*, and *The X Files*.

This lineup helped RPN maintain its overall 4th place standing in the ratings during the latter half of the 90s, despite later facing competition with UHF stations such as ABS-CBN's Studio 23, which offered more canned programs compared to the most VHF stations. In 1999, RPN slid again to fifth place behind ABC, but managed to recover its 4th place standing the following year, sustaining it for the next two years.

#### **Second Downfall (2003-2007)**

In 2003, a major network war in the ratings game ensued with the battle of Taiwanese/Korean-language television series (which kicked off with ABS-CBN's broadcast of Taiwanese series *Meteor Garden*) by the two superior leading networks, ABS-CBN, GMA Network and IBC; and followed by PTV in 2014, causing RPN into decline in the telenovelas battle. The same year, RPN's primetime block renamed as Rated Prime Night (stylized: rated prime nights), with its tagline and jingle *See who's coming over tonight!*.

On February 19, 2004, Republic Act No. 9250 signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo renewed RPN its congressional franchise for another 25 years. It was also in the same year when the network launched its primetime block, dubbed as the Prime Shift, blocktimed by Solar Entertainment Corporation. The said programming block lasted until March 2007.

RPN expanded its broadcast reach in America with the launching of RPN USA on February 2005 in cooperation with Glocal Media. This global expansion signals new directions for RPN as it becomes accessible to the rest of the world, particularly the millions of Filipinos overseas. RPN can be seen in 60 American cities and parts of North America and South America.

### **Solar Entertainment era (2007-2014)**

#### **Blocktime with Solar, As C/S; C/S9; Solar TV (2007-2011)**

    On March 11, 2007, after its initial tieup with the *Prime Shift* block, RPN announced a partnership with the Solar Entertainment Corporation, an operator of a number of cable channels in the country. The company began co-producing new programming for the network, such as a local version of the *Top Model* franchise. From March 11, 2007 to July 15, 2007, RPN also has a new theme song *Kasama Mo* (a tune of Kinetic Daze's *Kasama Kita*) by Cueshé.

The network underwent management changes on December 24, 2007, as Tonypet Albano (undersecretary and executive director of Malacañang's Office of Political Coalition Affairs and Deputy Spokesperson of TEAM Unity) was appointed chairman of the network (replacing Education Undersecretary Mona Valisno, incumbent Presidential Assistant for Education). Undersecretary Robert Rivera was appointed director of the board, while the president and chief executive officer became former senator Orlando "Orly" Mercado.

Mercado's first major move was to expand their partnerships with Solar Entertainment. Programming from Solar's cable network C/S was added to RPN's lineup at the beginning of the new year, and *PBA* basketball would also return to the network beginning in the 2008-09 season, as part of Solar Sports' new three-year deal with the league after an expiration of ABC's contract due to the network's rebranding as TV5, because of the blocktime agreement with Malaysian-based Media Prima Berhad subsidiary MPB Primedia, Inc. and intense bidding war with ABS-CBN.

In October 2008, RPN's stations ultimately took on the C/S name as part of their permanent branding, and rebranded itself as C/S 9. On November 29, 2009, the network re-branded again under the new name Solar TV. In late 2010, it was revealed that RPN would no longer carry PBA games, due to planned network re-launch to occur in 2011, with more "feminine" programming.

#### **Privatization; As ETC (2011-2013)**

In 2010, the Philippine government began to actively consider privatizing RPN and IBC. Ricardo Abcede, member of the Presidential Commission on Good Government, supported the plans, noting that the government should not need to subsidize three state broadcasters when most countries only have one, and could gain a significant profit if they were sold to a major company willing to invest in the stations.

In January 2011, reports confirmed that Solar Entertainment and Roberto Benedicto's daughter Kitchie Benedicto now owned a 34% minority share in RPN. Communications and Operation Office secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. also began to hold meetings with the network's employees union to discuss the financial state of RPN as part of the planned privatization. On February 22, 2011, RPN's employees filed a strike notice, protesting a rumored shutdown of RPN on February 25, and accusing the government of attempting to privatize RPN without actively consulting its employees.

On February 25, 2011, RPN was relaunched as ETC on March 2, 2011, with the power of a brand new 60-kilowatt Harris transmitter in Mega Manila. Additional shares in RPN were sold to Far East Managers and Investors Inc. (FEMI), an organization company affiliated with Ambassador Roberto Benedicto (founder of RPN). The government would retain the People's Television Network to serve as the sole state broadcaster of the country. However, due to privatization, RPN is forced to retrench 200 employees and stopping the production of *RPN NewsWatch*, its last RPN-produced program, on October 29, 2012 as Solar TV takes over the entire RPN's airtime. In November 2013, San Miguel Corporation President and COO Ramon S. Ang declares interest in acquiring Solar Television Network and its stake on RPN but instead acquire a minority stake on GMA Network. .

### **The Third Radio Philippines Network (2013-2014)**

On Febreuary 25, 2013, the government grants permits to Albano to operate RPN's airtime and creating with RPN's Radyo Ronda in the radio broadcasts for the AM radio station DZKB Radyo Ronda 1422. A public advisory was plugged, informing that ETC on RPN aired its final sign-off on March 29, 2013 as it moved to UHF Channel 19, which was awarded the frequency in the market, christening it DWKB-TV as the UHF channel subsidiary.

On March 30, 2013 on the test broadcast until resumed the operation as the commercial operation television started at 7:00pm with the big stars of the network. ETC was ceased commercial operations with ETC, which it goes to a new frequency of UHF Channel 19 as RPN and its provincial TV stations went back on the air on March 30, 2013, this allowing the station to revert back to RPN, which marked a comeback as the iconic brand name and reinstate its own programming that went inactive in December 2007 and regarded as the government-sequestered and general entertainment network to undergo beyond radio and television; and began to rebroadcast to viewers once again by revitalizing its infrastructure and its content, introducing new programs produced by RPN, broadcasting from what used to their main garage at the Broadcast City.

Cash and resources stretched to the limit, with offices being made to double as dressing rooms and basics such as chairs, tables and phones in short supply while stars, personalities and employees will return to RPN. The network was forced to share space in the building that was rightfully their own with the government-sequestered station IBC. At the time, money had been scarce while resources were limited; offices were used as dressing rooms and other equipment such as chairs, tables, and phones were in short supplym as well as OB vans. Hence, a new stockholders and employees as president and CEO Robert T. Rivera was brought in to rework the station's programming for the millennial generation and the newly-reformatted RPN will be the new campaign branding itself as the "Kasama" ("companion") network to target the millennials and a new line up of programming to debut on the network, including the popular and top-rating reality TV game show *Survivor* and several top-rated U.S. shows like *Chicago Fire*, *Revolution* and *NCIS*, among others. The new management introduced many changes including a stronger news and public affairs division and entertainment division, modernization of its broadcast equipment, and the acquisition of broadcast rights of Metropolitan Basketball Association games. Additionally, the network also launched a new advertising campaign and slogan, *Kasama Ako!*, which targeted the burgeoning middle- to upper-class youth market.

RPN's facilities, then housed on a major part of IBC's present studio complex in Broadcast City Capitol Hills, Diliman, Quezon City, became a subject of a legal battle between the two networks. At the time, money had been scarce while resources were limited; offices were used as dressing rooms and other equipment such as chairs, tables, and phones were in more supply. Also, RPN acquired a new franchise to operate under Republic Act 7831 signed by President Noynoy Aquino III.

In a surge of phenomenal growth, RPN earned a reputation as The Kasama Network among the ranks and it rose to a strong number 5 in the overall TV network rating by challenging the dominance of the broadcast industry leaders with their programming that combines the America's certified hits, telenovelas, animes and all station-produced local programs.

The new management priority is optimum coverage and TV signal reception. To achieve this, RPN will boost its transmission power and establish new sites in strategic parts of the country. The Kasama Network also aims to reach audiences in America via RPN USA, the world's international channel with the Dish Network.

#### **As Solar News Channel (2013-2014)**

In November 2013, it was reported that San Miguel Corporation President and COO Ramon S. Ang declares interest in acquiring Solar Television Network.

On November 30, 2013, ETC was returned to SBN while Solar News Channel moves to UHF Channel 19 since the following day to widen its nationwide telecast. (SBN broadcast ETC from 2008-2011)

### **Nine Media era of the fourth Radio Philippines Network (2014-present)**

On January 3, 2014, RPN and Aliw Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) (operators of DWIZ and Home Radio) recently signed a memorandum of agreement for the expanded coverage of the both TV and radio networks nationwide. Selected DWIZ programs will be simulcast on the Radyo Ronda Network.

#### **As 9TV (2014-2016)**

On August 20, 2014, Solar Entertainment Corporation chief Wilson Tieng announced that he ceded his entire share on Solar TV Network, Inc., including its 34% majority share on RPN, to Antonio Cabangon-Chua (he died almost 2 years later on March 11, 2016, and was replaced by the returning Tonypet Albano as the chairman of RPN), owner of business daily BusinessMirror and Aliw Broadcasting Corporation. Tieng sold Solar TV in favor of the acquisition of Thunderbird Resorts group and he will be focusing on the remaining television channels he personally owned through Solar Entertainment.

To reflect the change of ownership, on August 13, 2014, Solar Television Network and RPN announces the rebranding of RPN into 9TV by August 23 on the test broadcast until resumed the operation aired a countdown to the re-launch until 7:00 pm (PST) when the new lineup began under their new branding of 9TV by switching on its 100-killowatt transmitter and a big welcome party by the big stars of the network. 9TV retained the news and public affairs programming, entertainment, imported foreign canned programs in the United States on weeknights and telenovelas while expanding its weekend programming to cater more audiences with the launching of Kids Weekend.  Also, the ALC Group of Companies appointed Benjamin Ramos as RPN's new President, replacing Undersecretary Robert T. Rivera.

However, the 9TV branding is only a transitional brand to separate "what is Tieng's (the former owner) and what is Cabangon-Chua's". In October 14, 2014, Nine Media Corporation (formerly Solar Television Network) inked a 5-year brand licensing agreement with the Turner Broadcasting System to give UHF 19 into CNN Philippines, the local franchise of Cable News Network, and the third local CNN channel in Asia (after CNN Indonesia and India's CNN-IBN). CNN Philippines 19 was officially launched on March 16, 2015.

#### **CNN Philippines (2015-present)**

On March 16, 2015, UHF 19 started broadcasting on CNN Philippines brand. CNN Philippines is the seventh rebrand of Radio Philippines Network since its inception as Kanlaon Broadcasting System. It has the transitional brand 9TV after seven months of operations under such brand. The new brand reflects the CNN format of news reporting on news from the Philippines.

#### **Revival**

On January 18, 2016, in line with the recent changes within the network, 9TV undergoes a major rebranding and reverted back into RPN as the integrated brand with a brand new station ID and on-air graphics. The station meanwhile retained its long-rime popular and recognizable slogan, *Kasama Ako!*, the station is a quality mix of less upper-class appeal and more mass-oriented programming approach that will dominate RPN. The network is introducing RPN television jock Angelica Yap aka Ms. Pastillas Girl as the network's VJ came into the spotlight as she introduce the upcoming episodes of such RPN primetime favorites.

On March 12, 2016, Tonypet Albano returned to the network and reappointed as the chairman of RPN, replacing Cabangon-Chua, who died almost 2 years later on March 11.

#### **Relaunch and recent developments**

In 2017, RPN, together with Nine Media Corporation acquired its UHF transmitter complex in Crestview Heights Subdivision, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City, Rizal from Progressive Broadcasting Corporation to use RPN's digital terrestrial television broadcast in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

On September 30, 2017, RPN President and CEO Robert T. Rivera stepped down from his position. He was replaced by Nine Media Corporation vice-president, Benjamin V. Ramos the following day. Following her appointment, the network announced it would be overhauling and revamping its programming for the young and youth people, as the network's formal shift into a general entertainment station for the youth and the millennials in a perfect mix of entertainment, news and public affairs, children's programs and sports, along with a new campaign branding itself as the "Kabarkada" ("gang") network, in par with its rivals ABS-CBN (Kapamilya is a family), GMA Network (Kapuso is a heart), IBC (Kaibigan is a friend) and PTV (Kasama is a companion). To end the scuffle, the Duterte administration, through the transmitter tower power of RPN decided to expand the newly-established building in Panay Avenue to accommodate the network, and to order a new cameras, new HD cameras, brand new studios, brand new OB vans and other broadcast equipment for TV and radio broadcasting. The programming and imaging of RPN as the network for the youth and brought in programming whiz in 2018, albeit catering to a young audience, whose demographics included kids, tweens and teens in high school and young adults in college and university; from the aspirational to the affluent backgrounds.

On February 4, 2018, in line with the recent changes within the network and in celebration of its 58th anniversary, RPN was relaunched with the live musical special, *Kabarkada Mo: The RPN Relaunching TV Special*, a big revival party by the big stars and introduced its new set of fresh and vibrant programs, giving a rebirth to the network. The following day, on February 5, 2018, RPN revamped and unveiled their brand new station ID and on-air graphics, while the station transferred to its new building as the inaugurated and renovated RPN Compound, the studio complex, corporate offices and transmitter tower in #97 Panay Avenue, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City with a brand new equipment. Broadcast City, on the other hand, their home for 39 years, had been converted to IBC, who regained total control over the facility before the station transferred to its brand new studio complex and offices as IBC Broadcast Center at Capitol Hills Drive corner Zuzuarregui Street, Barangay Matandang Balara, Diliman, Quezon City since November 2018 to give way for the conversion of Broadcast City, their home for 40 years, into Larossa condominium complex.

Also in the same month, RPN adopted its flagship primetime newscast *Ronda 9* (named as counterpart of RPN's flagship AM radio station under the brand Radyo Ronda), anchored by Alex Tinsay in 2018, later replaced by Erwin Tulfo in 2019 and recently, Ted Failon in 2020, with Janeena Chan delivering the daily entertainment news; along with a brand new look of the longest-running English late-night newscast *NewsWatch*. Other reputable news programmed followed, such as *Gabi ni Tinsay*, which later envolved into *Tutok Erwin Tulfo: Weekend Edition* and *Tutok Tulfo Reload* in 2019 and recently, *Failon Ngayon* in 2020. RPN also put up many schedules mostly for children, teens and young adults, and beefed up their major revamp of its brand new daytime and primetime programming by catering to a younger and more of a millennial audience that will put the timeslot of the interactive game show *Kabarkada, Break the Bank* moved to the weeknight slot aside from retaining one telenovela and imported series from the U.S. (some of the most awarded American TV greats), and rebranded with a new look and a major graphics overhaul and the launch of several new local shows produced by the network: among them are *E-Extra*, *Missy*, *Happy Chie*, *One Sound*, *Wattpad Presents*, *Gag Kulit*, *Donnalyn* along with the new season of the reality singing competition *Boses Tinig Pinoy*; plus several new foreign shows, including *Riverdale* and *MacGyver (2016 TV series)*, which debuted to great expectations by boosting in TV ratings.

Since then, RPN provides the audience the best of both local and foreign programming, and regained its programming with programs mostly devoted to youth-oriented and entertainment formats with a complement of Filipino-dubbed movies, imported dramas and foreign-acquired programming, which aimed more at the youth and young adult demographics and became a favorite of the millennials. At the early months since the launch of the revival station, RPN is the fifth station to received higher ratings from the Kantar Media survey, ranking last among the five stations in the Philippines. International reach became RPN's target in 2018, through its relay stations, RPN programs were seen across the archipelago and Southeast Asia.

In June 2018, RPN celebrates its 58th anniversary. The month-long celebration started with the grand *Kabarkada Homecoming*, which was aired on *Sunday's Big Event* on June 3, 2018, which gathered some former employees and talents for a grand reunion at the RPN Compound. The company also did a nationwide caravan, showcasing the network's talents. RPN also aired the documentary *Salamat sa RPN: The Leader's Legacy to Philippine Television* on June 24, 2018. Finally, the network concluded the celebration with the airing of the anniversary program event titled *Kabarkada Grande @ 58: The RPN 58th Anniversary Event* at the Marikina Sports Complex in Marikina City, which had entertainment and public service events rolled up for the celebration on June 29, 2018, the launching day of RPN wayback in 1960. RPN management approved of the project and initiated its master plan for the exciting celebration. This event was also the first time that RPN is set to showcase its full force of homegrown talents in a live programming simultaneously aired from its home studio, at the *RPN @ 58* venue in Marikina City by watching nationwide via TV and radio stations of RPN.

In January 7, 2019, RPN has begun to air an introduction of documentary and public affairs programs airing from sister station People's Television Network, PCOO and CNN Philippines; and simulcast programs from DZKB Radyo Ronda and DZKB Radyo Ronda TV.

In June 2019, RPN celebrated its 59th anniversary. The month-long celebration started with the airing of the commemorative documentary about the station's contribution to the present viewing landscape in Philippine broadcasting *The Leader: RPN's Legacy to Philippine Television*, encapsulated some of the most unforgettable, most remarkable and most celebrated landmarks of the last 59 years, the history of Philippine television and the evolution of Philippine entertainment, which was aired via *Sunday's Big Event* on June 23, 2019. The same month, RPN unveiled its brand new shows, including the old and new episodes of *Totally Spies! (seasons 1-2 and season 6)*, *Prison Playbook*, *Anna Fuerte*, *Touch Your Heart*, *Roswell, New Mexico*, the return of the quiz show *Battle of the Brains* and the first-ever teen sitcom *That's My Hazel*. Finally, the network concluded the celebration with the anniversary concert *Happy 59* at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 29, 2019, the launching day of RPN wayback in 1960.

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, RPN announced that will temporary suspending their studio audience tapings for all of its shows, including the former's *Student Canteen*, *Boses Tinig Pinoy*, *Fanparty*, *Donnalyn*, *Kabarkada, Break the Bank*, *Battle of the Brains*, *Penpen de Sarapen* and *Kwarta o Kahon*. 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.

On March 14, 2020, RPN announced the suspension of production of current programs, especially its live shows, this is due to President Rodrigo Duterte implementing an enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and Luzon in line with the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic outbreak happening in the Philippines. Thus, the network aired reruns of some teleseryes including *Missy*.

Since May 2020, RPN retained its last place in the ratings and continues to be on top as one of the top five television networks in the country, behind two rival TV networks IBC and GMA Network, along with other TV networks in the Philippines, including PTV and TV5.

On June 2020, Radio Philippines Network (RPN) will be celebrating its 60th silver anniversary since its inception in June 29, 1960, along with a new campaign branding itself as the "Kapiling" network. The month-long celebration started with the airing of two commemorative documentaries about the station's contribution in news and entertainment and to the present viewing landscape in Philippine broadcasting. *NewsWatch @ 50*, which marks *NewsWatch* on its 50th anniversary of the longest-running English newscast on Philippine television since its inception in June 1, 1970 as a generic name for a televised newscast because of its status as the leading newscast of its day as the documentary special about the history of television news program with several editions managed to maintain its credibility and integrity and commemorates the best important events covered during the first 50 years. *The Leader @ 60: The RPN 60th Anniversary Special*, on the other hand, the documentary special as the network's contributions to the history of Philippine television and the evolution of Philippine entertainment, which both aired via *Sunday's Big Event* on June 21 and 28, 2020. Finally, the network concluded the celebration by resuming the production of current programs; along with all of its foreign-acquired programming of RPN, including cartoons, U.S. TV shows and Hollywood movies, were finally reverted back to its full-fledged original English language rather than Filipino-dubbed (except telenovelas, animes and Asian dramas dubbed in Filipino) on June 29, 2020, the launching day of RPN wayback in 1960.

On October 2, 2020, RPN chairman Jose Avellana confirmed that the network is launching its educational television programs by the Department of Education's DepEd TV programming block on October 5, 2020 on the network's morning block, the starting date of classes in public schools throughout the country, aligned with the Most Essential Learning Competencies in the DepEd's Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan which targets students. In addition, stars from the foreclosed ABS-CBN were announced to be transferred to RPN as the former implemented retrenchments following the non-renewal of its broadcast franchise. Currently, RPN is in talks with the same network for the possibility to hire the displaced employees of its former rival with RPN chairman Tonypet Albano stating that they are open to work with them.

On October 5, 2020, in line with the recent changes within the network and in celebration of its 60th anniversary, RPN officially relaunched its new advertising and image campaign and its new slogan entitled *Kapiling Ako* with a new station ID and complement the network's programming from entertainment, news and public affairs, educational, lifestyle and sports programs. The campaign was aggressively undertaken, with the Kapiling. The "Kapiling" theme song is sung by Coleen Mangabat. Coinciding with the announcement, these programs of RPN are separated into different blocks. These include Morning Rush (news, kids-oriented shows, educational programming and public service), RPN Kids (cartoons and kids-oriented programming), Hapon Siesta (afternoon programming lineup), Primetime Talaga (news, entertainment news, dramas [original and Tagalog-dubbed], and foreign shows), Kapiling Late Night (public affairs shows), RPN Anime (animes) and Kapiling Weekend (Saturday and Sunday programming lineup, including live broadcasts of the MBA).

On February 22, 2021, in honor of the rebranding of RPN Play, Retro RPN, RPN Kids and RPN Life, RPN launched a new secondary slogan called *Nangunguna sa lahat ng mga paraan (Leading all the way)*.

## Programming

### **RPN Programs**

Main article: List of programs broadcast by RPN

Mainly targeted the youth and young adult demographics, RPN's programming produces and/or airs original Filipino programming produced by RPN aimed at the demographic as well, including news and public affairs programs, dramas, variety shows, comedy and gag shows, game and reality shows, entertainment news, children's programs and sports shows. The network also consists of drama series, reality show and movies from the U.S., children's shows and cartoons from the U.S. and European countries, anime series from Japan and telenovelas from Mexico and South Korea. RPN also shows regional programs, TV specials, sporting and awarding events, and sponsors other events, particularly parties around the Metro Manila area.

Wattpad signed a contract with RPN as a partnership along with Life is Beautiful Publishing Company in November 2017 to make the weekly made-for-TV movies which based on Wattpad stories adapted the TV movie that were published by LIB Publishing to be aired on the network under the weekly romantic drama tele-movie anthology series *Wattpad Presents*, which airs every Saturday night.

Since February 5, 2018, the network's ratings improved as they launched the *Primetime Talaga* and *Weekend Talaga* programming blocks under the helm of RPN Entertainment Group head, Cholo Laurel under the *Kabarkada Mo* campaign. As part of the network's *Primetime Talaga* evening block, RPN airs the fresh and latest episodes of the American shows via its Fresh from the U.S. campaign on weeknights (9-11 p.m.). Since then, all foreign entertainment shows. including children's shows, cartoons, animes, imported dramas from Mexico and South Korea, U.S. TV series and Hollywood movies are in Filipino dubbed audio (except the U.S. reality show *Survivor* and some foreign TV specials remained in English-language audio) aimed towards the youth and young adults.

Since March 5, 2021, both RPN and ABS-CBN announced that some primetime programs of ABS-CBN (including Ang sa Iyo ay Akin, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, Walang Hanggang Paalam and Pinoy Big Brother: Connect) will be simulcast on RPN starting March 8. Coinciding with the announcement, the network unveiled its revamped programming under its new slogan RPN TodoMax, wherein all programs are divided into four blocks, except Morning Rush, RPN Kids, Hapon Siesta, and Primetime Talaga: RPN Kids (cartoons and kids-oriented programming), TodoMax Panalo sa Hapon (afternoon programming lineup), TodoMax Primetime (news, game shows, dramas (original and Tagalog-dubbed), MBA live game broadcast and ABS-CBN-produced shows) and TodoMax Weekend / Kapiling Weekend (Saturday and Sunday programming lineup).

### **Programming blocks**

* **Morning Rush** (Monday-Friday, 6am-12nn)
* **RPN Kids** (Mon-Fri, 7:30am-8:30am and 3:45pm-4:30pm; Saturdays, 6am-9am and 10am-11:30am, Sundays, 7am-9am)
* **Hapon Siesta** (Mondays-Fridays, 12nn-6pm)
* **Primetime Talaga** (Mondays-Fridays, 6pm-12:15am)
* **Todomax Primetime** (ABS-CBN Entertainment) (Mondays-Friday, 8pm-10:30pm)
* **Kapiling Late Nights** (Mondays-Fridays, 12:15am-1:15am)
* **RPN Anime** (Saturdays, 9am-10am & Sundays, 9am-9:30am)
* **Kapiling Weekend** (Saturdays, 6am-12:45am & Sundays, 7am-1:30am)

## Program production

### **RPN News and Public Affairs**

Main articles: RPN News and Public Affairs and 9News
### **Ratings**

Since its re-launch in April 1, 2013, RPN has been reportedly on Top 5 based on the Kantar Media survey. It also gained its rating on their world-class block, and its popularity because of the MBA games, reaching 25% of television-owning households in the country.

### **Digitalization**

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordered that all analog TV broadcast transmission will be terminated by 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2023, requiring television service providers to migrate to DTT by that time. The management of RPN is planning for digitalization.

With the station by simulcating of RPN's news programs *RPN Balita* and *RPN Late-Night Balita*.

### **TV and radio stations nationwide**

Main article: List of Radio Philippines Network affiliate stations and channels

### **International broadcast**

Main article: RPN USA

RPN programs are shown in the United States from Dish Network, EchoStar and DirecTV.

## Subsidiaries

*Main article: List of assets owned by Radio Philippines Network*

## See also

* Joel Ong - DZKB-TV 9 RPN | Facebook
* Rpn 9 • Instagram photos and videos
* #kitchieuyonrpntv5 • Instagram photos and videos
* #rpntv5 • Instagram photos and videos
* RPN Station Notice (2013)
* Superstars unite for The 9TV Network
* 53rd Anniversary parties for RPN
* RPN-Zamboanga kicks-off modern broadcasting
* RPN 9 inks deal with J Centre for talent search
* Radio station to launch singing contest; auditions ongoing
* The Kasama Network now a phenomenal TV
* RPN turns into the country's premier sports and action network of Channel 9
* The Kasama station RPN now 9TV
* The Return of Channel 9, Under New Management
* Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation
* People's Television Network
* Philippine Broadcasting Service
* Aliw Broadcasting Corporation
* List of Philippine media companies
* Philippine television networks

## External links

* ETC on RPN Schedule
* Radyo Ronda Manila Schedule (DZKB 1422 kHz)
* RPN official website

Template:Television in the Philippines

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 About Us|publisher=Radio Philippines Network |accessdate=29 July 2020
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 [http://business.inquirer.net/177106/cabangon-chua-group-set-to-take-over-rpn-9 Cabangon-Chua group set to take over RPN-9 |date= August 21, 2014 |accessdate= August 21, 2014}}
3. ↑ Republic Act 2980|date=19 June 1960
4. ↑ ABS-CBN's post-EDSA boss Ben Aniceto passes away|publisher=*ABS-CBN News*|date=March 21, 2016|accessdate=March 21, 2016
5. ↑ International TV Directory|publisher=TV Factbook|date=1970
6. ↑ RPN 9 to mark 39th year|publisher=Manila Standard|accessdate=11 January 2020|date=June 6, 1996]
7. ↑ Roa, J. N. (1982, September 25). RPN-9 CEBU: THE LEADER. (M. S. Jr., Ed.) Vistas Weekly, pp. 32-33. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
8. ↑ SALAMAT SA RPN - The CompanY - YouTube
10. ↑ Republic Act No. 9250|website=Official Gazette|date=February 19, 2004|accessdate=August 11, 2020
11. ↑ ABS-CBN Interactive, Tonypet Albano is new RPN-9 chief
12. ↑ Template:Cite news
13. ↑ Template:Cite news
14. ↑ Solar drops PBA for 'feminine' programs, Musong R. Castillo, Philippine Daily Inquirer, December 8, 2010
15. ↑ PCGG urges gov't to fast-track sale of RPN-9, IBC-13 *ABS-CBNnews.com.* 2010-08-10. Retrieved 2010-08-10.
16. ↑ Romualdez, Babe. Spy Bits: RPN 9 a done deal?. The Philippine Star. Retrieved on May 20, 2012.
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Malacanang sets dialogue with RPN-9 union *ABS-CBNnews.com.* 2011-02-20. Retrieved 2011-02-20.
18. ↑ RPN 9 workers file notice of strike *InterAksyon.com* 2011-02-22. Retrieved 2011-02-22.
19. ↑ RPN 9 two labor unions file notice of strike, seek Noy's intervention *The Daily Tribiune* 2011-02-23. Retrieved 2011-02-23.
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Lo, Ricardo F.. ETC on RPN-9 starting March 2. The Philippine Star. Retrieved on May 20, 2012. Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "etc-rpn" defined multiple times with different content
21. ↑ San Miguel to join bidding for RPN-9, IBC-13 philSTAR.com 03-06-2011. Retrieved 03-06-2011.
22. ↑ San Miguel Corp. announces plan to bid for RPN-9 and IBC-13 PEP.ph 03-06-2011. Retrieved 03-06-2011.
23. ↑ - RPN-9 to cut 200 jobs, may stop airing 'Newswatch' retrieved August 18, 2014
24. ↑ - TV network hopeful on Ramon Ang retrieved August 18, 2014
25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 MVP-Ang rivalry set to spill over into television with San Miguel acquisition of Solar stake|date= November 9, 2013|accessdate= August 18, 2014
26. ↑ ETC MOVES TO SBN-21 STARTING NOVEMBER 30
27. ↑ Solar News Channel - Expect wider reach and a richer viewing experience retrieved November 5, 2013
28. ↑ Solar News on free TV, moves to channel 19|publisher=|accessdate=20 April 2015
29. ↑ http://www.solarnews.ph/news/business/2014/01/03/rpn-aliw-tie-up-to-broaden-broadcasting-reach#.Usbr\_s5orDc
30. ↑ http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/top-news/25323-dwiz-rpn-forge-pact-to-widen-reach
31. ↑ EXCLUSIVE | BusinessMirror owner acquires majority stake in RPN9 retrieved August 20, 2014
32. ↑ Cabangon-Chua acquires RPN-9 retrieved August 21, 2014
33. ↑ Solar News to be renamed News9? (Media Newser Philippines) retrieved August 18, 2014
34. ↑ Is RPN-9 Destined to Return? retrieved August 18, 2014
35. ↑ Solar News Channel turns into 9TV retrieved August 14, 2014
36. ↑ Turner, Nine Media to launch CNN Philippines retrieved October 14, 2014
37. ↑ Turner, Nine Media to launch CNN Philippines retrieved October 14, 2014
38. ↑ [1]