Media groups condemn rejection of ABS-CBN franchise renewal


Over 500 media workers in the country have condemned the decision of the House of Representatives (HOR) to reject ABS CBN’s franchise renewal bid.

Employees and supporters of local television network ABS-CBN hold placards as they protest in front of the House of Representatives in Manila on July 10, 2020. (Photo by Miggy HILARIO / AFP / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a joint statement released on July 13, journalists, editors, and workers of different media organizations expressed solidarity with their colleagues at ABS-CBN whose jobs are at risk due to the HOR's decision.

“The role of a journalist in a democratic society is to keep the people well-informed to allow them to be free and self-governing, not to serve as any administration’s publicist,” the group said.

“The rejection of ABS-CBN’s franchise bill sounds the death knell to a credible source of news,” they added.