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ABS-CBN Sports and Action
ABS-CBN Sports and Action
ABS-CBN Sports and Action
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Key Information

Sports+Action
CountryUnited States
NetworkS+A
HeadquartersDaly City, California
Programming
LanguagesFilipino (main)
English (secondary)
Ownership
OwnerABS-CBN Corporation
Sister channels
History
LaunchedJuly 10, 2015
ClosedDecember 2, 2020
Replaced byCine Mo! Global
Former names

ABS-CBN Sports and Action (stylized as ABS-CBN Sports+Action or simply S+A or S and A),[1] was a free-to-air television network based in Quezon City. It was owned by ABS-CBN Corporation with some of its programs produced and licensed by ABS-CBN Sports. In Metro Manila, Sports + Action broadcast terrestrially and through DTT through DWAC-TV (UHF channel 23), the frequency once used by the defunct national television network Studio 23 until its closure on January 16, 2014, with most of its UHF affiliate stations in the provinces owned by AMCARA Broadcasting Network.[2][3] It began its operations on January 18, 2014, yet it did not become the company's sole channel for sports until the shutdown of subscription-based counterpart Balls by the end of 2015.[4][5][6] Its simulcast high-definition channel was exclusively available on Sky Cable, Destiny Cable and Sky Direct since 2016, while its international feed (carried with the same channel name) carried worldwide through The Filipino Channel. Sports + Action's programming is composed primarily of sports coverage such as MPBL, ABL, UAAP, NCAA, Pinoy Pride fights, BVR, PVL and ONE Championship. The program line up of Sports + Action included other sports-related programming, news coverages and blocktimers. S+A broadcast Mondays to Saturdays from 5:00 am to 1:00 am and Sundays from 4:00 am to 1:00 am.

On May 5, 2020, the station's broadcasting activities, together with that of its sister television and radio stations ABS-CBN, DZMM, and MOR Philippines, were ordered to sign off the air at 7:52 pm following the cease-and-desist order (CDO) issued by the National Telecommunications Commission due to the expiration of ABS-CBN's legislative license to operate. S+A continued to air internationally through The Filipino Channel until December 2.

On January 5, 2022, its former UHF frequencies (channel 23 and 43) were assigned by the NTC to Aliw Broadcasting Corporation (for channel 23) and Swara Sug Media Corporation (for channel 43).[7] However, SSMC ceased operations on December 21, 2023 due to NTC's suspension order.

History

[edit]

According to ABS-CBN Narrowcast Head March Ventosa, the division started developing the concept of a sports channel of free television for a year. Also with its launching, the management decided to drop the strong Studio 23 branding for it is well associated with entertainment programs of which the former channel only carries 30 percent of sports related content.[8][9]

Launching

[edit]

The channel was officially launched in Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati on January 16, 2014.[8] The event was attended by several well known Filipino athletes including Marlon Stockinger, Donnie Nietes, the Philippines national football team, Jeron Teng, and some ABS-CBN executives and personalities.[1] The event also provided a glimpse of its program lineup which includes sports coverage of UAAP, Top Rank and Pinoy Pride boxing bouts, and the Philippines national football team matches.[4]

A test broadcast was done a day prior to its official launching on January 18, 2014.[citation needed]

The network's newest Station ID featuring the dedication and spirit of the Filipino athletes was launched during It's Showtime in 2014. The song "Ito ang Ating Sandali", composed and performed by former Rivermaya vocalist Rico Blanco was used for the station identification.[10]

International feed

[edit]

ABS-CBN Sports+Action was launched internationally in June 2015 via TFC, as the replacement of the BRO channel, the channel broadcast several sports coverages, programs which also aired on Channel 23 and carry-up shows including leisure, comedy and action-packed movies.[11]

High-definition channel

[edit]

On January 1, 2016, the channel launched its own high-definition feed (formerly known as Balls HD) on Sky Cable and Destiny Cable. Its program line-up included HD sports coverages of the UAAP, NCAA, Pinoy Pride, US Open, UEFA and FIVB matches. Unlike ABS-CBN HD, which was an HD simulcast feed from ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN Sports+Action HD initially was a separate channel from S+A which aired exclusive live events and other programs.[12]

In April 2017, S+A HD converted into an HD feed simulcast channel of S+A Channel 23, similar to ABS-CBN HD.[citation needed]

2016 relaunch

[edit]

On August 29, 2016, in time with the National Heroes Day celebration, S+A debuted its new logo and station ID campaign entitled "Sumasaludo sa Pusong Palaban ng Lahing Pilipino" or "Salute to the Defiant Heart of Filipino Generation", in line with the network's continuous advocacy on promoting sports development and supporting the Filipino athletes and sporting teams that made pride and glory to the Filipino sporting community and its values and hardwork. The song "Tibay", performed by singer/songwriter Quest, was used in the station ID, which featured athletes from the sports coverages covered by ABS-CBN Sports+Action, such as UAAP, NCAA, boxing and MMA events.[13]

Beginning August 2018, S+A began to broadcast 24 hours of sports coverage a day similar to the national ABS-CBN, in which however, only for selected sports programs that aired on early mornings.[citation needed]

2020 franchise renewal issue

[edit]
See also: ABS-CBN franchise renewal controversy

On May 5, 2020, the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN Corporation, forcing all of its television stations, including S+A, to stop their operations immediately due to the expiration of its legislative franchise.[14] But some S+A programs were moved through its cable and satellite channel Liga as ad interim.

TV Patrol's special episode dedicated to the cease-and-desist order of ABS-CBN's free TV and radio stations was the final show to be aired on S+A before the network signed off indefinitely.

S+A Global closure

[edit]

After five years, S+A Global ceased its broadcast operations internationally through The Filipino Channel on December 2, 2020, due to implementation of a retrenchment program covering its business company from August 7, following the House of Representatives' 70–11 vote denying the company a fresh congressional franchise on July 10 and the dissolution of ABS-CBN Sports to close its business effective August 31, 2020.

Programming

[edit]
Main article: List of programs broadcast by ABS-CBN Sports and Action

According to Sports Interactive Network, S+A's programming line-up comprised by 70 percent of its contents will be about sports, with the remaining of it covering Filipino action films, news updates, and other entertainment, informative & religious programs such as blocktimers.[15][16] Several programming of the now-defunct Balls channel (which ended transmission on December 31, 2015) were absorbed by S+A. However, all movie blocks, news updates and other action-related programs including US drama series were phased out in April 2017 in favor of additional sports coverages.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

ABS-CBN Sports and Action

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
ABS-CBN Sports and Action (S+A) was a Philippine and channel owned by , focused on sports events and action-oriented programming. Launched in 2014 as a rebranding and repositioning of the former channel, it became the dedicated platform for live coverage of key domestic competitions such as the of the (UAAP) and (NCAA) tournaments, alongside international bouts, football matches featuring the Philippine Azkals, and other athletic events. The channel achieved prominence for securing exclusive to high-profile Philippine leagues, contributing significantly to ABS-CBN's sports division through substantial viewership during seasonal tournaments and sports telecasts. It also incorporated supplementary content like , analysis programs, and lifestyle segments targeting action enthusiasts. However, S+A's operations ended abruptly on May 5, 2020, as part of the enforced cessation of ABS-CBN's terrestrial following the Philippine Congress's denial of the network's franchise renewal and subsequent orders from the . Post-closure, ABS-CBN's sports production shifted to online and digital distribution via platforms such as and , maintaining coverage of events like leagues and without a dedicated linear channel. This transition reflected broader challenges faced by the network amid regulatory actions, which critics attributed to political motivations linked to coverage of the Duterte administration, though official rationales centered on franchise compliance issues.

Overview

Launch and operational scope

ABS-CBN Sports+Action commenced broadcasting on January 18, 2014, succeeding , which concluded operations the previous day after 17 years on UHF Channel 23. The channel's inaugural on-air transmission marked 's reorientation of its sports programming platform toward a dedicated focus on live and recorded sports coverage alongside action entertainment. Operated under the callsign DWAC-TV in , the channel transmitted on UHF Channel 23 (539.25 MHz) and extended nationwide via ABS-CBN's relay stations, enabling access across the without subscription requirements. Its scope encompassed domestic and international sports events, including leagues, matches, and tournaments, supplemented by action films, combat sports documentaries, and serialized action content to appeal to a broad audience interested in high-energy programming. The pre-broadcast launch event occurred on January 16, 2014, at Glorietta 3 in , , where executives outlined the channel's mission to deliver comprehensive sports and action content, emphasizing live event coverage and viewer engagement through UHF accessibility. Initial operations prioritized 24-hour programming cycles, with a heavy emphasis on Philippine sports properties acquired through 's production arm, though reliant on licensed international feeds for global events.

Ownership and affiliation

ABS-CBN Sports and Action was owned and operated by , a Philippine that managed its broadcast operations from the channel's inception in January 2014 until its shutdown on May 8, 2020. The channel's content was primarily produced and licensed through ABS-CBN Sports, a dedicated sports production unit within the corporation responsible for acquiring rights to major leagues such as the NBA, PBA, and UAAP, as well as producing original sports programming. , in turn, was majority-controlled by the Lopez family via , which held significant influence over the company's strategic decisions, including channel launches and content partnerships. For distribution beyond , the channel relied on relay affiliations with provincial stations, though specific affiliate networks like those under ABS-CBN's broader umbrella handled much of the regional carriage.

Historical development

Pre-launch origins from Studio 23

, ABS-CBN's UHF broadcast channel on frequency DWAC-TV (Channel 23), commenced operations on October 12, , as a sister network to ABS-CBN's flagship channel, targeting young adult audiences with English-language imported programming, including North American series and initial sports coverage. Positioned as a "premium network," it initially featured upscale entertainment content alongside select sports events, leveraging ABS-CBN's growing sports production capabilities established in 1998 through broadcasts of the (MBA), a league backed by the network. This foundation in sports telecasting, including rights to NBA games, provided early exposure to live event production and audience engagement in the sports domain. By the early 2000s, expanded beyond foreign imports to produce locally made programs, while maintaining a mix of entertainment and sports spectacles, such as (PBA) games and University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) events, which held broadcasting rights for. The channel's infrastructure, including studios and transmission facilities in , supported hybrid programming that increasingly highlighted action-oriented content, though sports remained secondary to general entertainment. This period built technical expertise in live sports relays and , essential for scaling dedicated sports coverage, amid competition from cable channels like Balls, which offered sports but lacked accessibility. In early 2014, announced the reorientation of into a sports-focused channel to address the absence of a free-to-air dedicated sports outlet in the , with signing off on January 16 after nearly 18 years. The transition capitalized on 's existing UHF frequency and operational assets, redirecting 70% of airtime to sports and action programming under the new branding, reflecting strategic prioritization of high-engagement live events over diversified entertainment. This shift drew from 's accumulated sports rights portfolio and production legacy via , enabling seamless inheritance of coverage for leagues like the PBA, which officials noted as "enticing content" for the revamped channel.

Initial launch and early programming (2014)

ABS-CBN Sports+Action began broadcasting on January 18, 2014, as a rebranded iteration of the former Studio 23 channel, which had previously emphasized general entertainment programming. The transition repositioned Channel 23 to prioritize sports and action content, with roughly 70% of its schedule devoted to live sports events and related coverage, aiming to consolidate ABS-CBN's sports offerings into a single dedicated free-to-air outlet. The channel's inaugural programming lineup focused on high-profile local collegiate basketball leagues, including the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seasons, which drew significant viewership in the Philippines due to their cultural prominence in youth sports development. International basketball from the National Basketball Association (NBA) was a staple, alongside combat sports such as Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) mixed martial arts events, reflecting the channel's intent to blend domestic and global action genres. Boxing broadcasts featured the Pinoy Pride series, promoting Filipino fighters on the international stage, while football coverage included the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers and matches. Supplementary programming encompassed sports magazine formats like , which provided analysis and highlights, airing in evening slots to complement live events. This early schedule structure supported ABS-CBN's strategy to capture advertising revenue from sports enthusiasts, with events timed around peak viewing hours for Philippine audiences, though initial ratings data indicated competition from rival networks like GMA's sports blocks. The channel operated in standard definition initially, broadcasting via analog and digital terrestrial signals on UHF Channel 23 in and affiliates nationwide.

Expansions including HD feed and international availability (2015–2016)

In June 2015, ABS-CBN Sports+Action expanded internationally through (TFC), becoming available worldwide as a premium channel offering sports coverage to overseas Filipino viewers. This launch rebranded and replaced the prior BRO channel slot on TFC, focusing on programming such as live events and action content tailored for the diaspora audience. By mid-2015, it integrated into TFC packages in regions like , , the , and , enabling access via cable, satellite, and IPTV providers. The channel's international feed emphasized Philippine-centric sports, including events under the "" banner, which were to global audiences in collaboration with promoters like ALA International. This expansion aligned with ABS-CBN's strategy to monetize content abroad amid growing demand for localized sports programming, though availability varied by TFC subscription tiers and regional licensing. On January 1, 2016, Sports+Action introduced its high-definition (HD) feed for domestic cable subscribers, rebranding the former Balls HD slot to enhance viewing quality for sports broadcasts. The HD channel launched on SKYcable channel 166 in , Bulacan, and surrounding areas, with provincial access on channel 700 via Destiny Cable, supporting resolution for clearer imagery during live events like and matches. This upgrade coincided with 's broader transition to HD across its network, improving production standards but requiring compatible set-top boxes from providers like SKYcable.

2016 relaunch and content shifts

On August 29, 2016, coinciding with National Heroes Day, ABS-CBN Sports and Action (S+A) underwent a relaunch featuring a new and campaign titled "Sumasaludo sa Pusong Palaban ng Lahing Pilipino," which translates to honoring the fighting heart of the Filipino race, accompanied by a theme song performed by rapper Quest. This rebranding emphasized a heightened commitment to promoting development and supporting Filipino athletes, aligning with values of excellence, perseverance, and national pride. The relaunch marked a strategic shift in content towards greater emphasis on and expanded coverage of local and international events to foster growth. Key additions included documentaries such as coverage of the and profiles like "Alyssa Valdez: The Flight of the UAAP Phenom," alongside the "University Town" series highlighting academic institutions' sports programs. Acquired content broadened to feature combat sports via partnerships with Ultimate Reality Combat Championship (URCC) and ONE Championship, through Beach Volleyball Republic, and domestic leagues including . Core broadcasts of UAAP, NCAA, NBA, and boxing events continued, but with integrated segments profiling athletes, teams, and schools to underscore developmental narratives. This pivot supported ABS-CBN's broader initiative to build an online sports hub at sports.abs-cbn.com for extended accessibility and engagement. The changes aimed to elevate S+A beyond mere event broadcasting, positioning it as a platform for inspiring national athletic ambition through substantive, athlete-centric storytelling.

Final years leading to closure

In the years following its 2016 relaunch, ABS-CBN Sports+Action sustained its core programming slate, emphasizing live coverage of domestic basketball leagues including the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and (NCAA) seasons, as well as the (PBA). The channel also secured rights to the inaugural (PVL) season in 2017, broadcasting matches that drew significant viewership among Philippine audiences. Additional content included action sports such as ONE Championship events and boxing bouts, maintaining a schedule heavy on combat and team sports telecasts through 2019. Operational continuity faced mounting pressures from ABS-CBN Corporation's broader regulatory challenges, particularly the impending lapse of its legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 7966, set to expire on March 30, 2020. Despite hearings commencing in February 2020 on renewal, no extension was granted, prompting the (NTC) to issue a cease-and-desist order against 's broadcast operations. This regulatory action directly affected subsidiary channels, as ABS-CBN Narrowcast, which oversaw Sports+Action, relied on the parent company's compliance for sustained carriage on cable and satellite platforms. On May 5, 2020, Sports+Action transmitted its final broadcast, aligning with the parent network's shutdown at approximately 7:52 PM local time, after which the channel went dark across all distribution platforms. The abrupt cessation displaced ongoing sports coverage, including residual rights to leagues like the PVL and UAAP, and resulted in the termination of related production activities. While the Sports division announced a phased wind-down effective , 2020, the Sports+Action channel itself did not resume, effectively concluding its six-year run.

Programming content

Live sports broadcasts

ABS-CBN Sports and Action served as the primary broadcaster for live collegiate tournaments in the , including the of the (UAAP) seasons from 2014 onward, featuring games such as matches streamed and aired live via the channel's platform. Coverage extended to the (NCAA), with live telecasts of key games alongside UAAP events as part of the channel's sports lineup until its closure in 2020. The channel also aired select (NBA) regular season games and events like the NBA All-Star Weekend from 2014 to 2019, capitalizing on international appeal for Philippine viewers. In volleyball, live broadcasts encompassed UAAP women's and men's tournaments, alongside professional leagues such as the (PVL) conferences, including the 2018 Open Conference finals on December 6. The channel covered V-League events and Republic (BVR) tournaments, providing extensive live action for domestic fans. International volleyball like the FIVB World Grand Prix appeared in 2014 schedules. Combat sports formed a significant portion of live programming, with Pinoy Pride boxing series featuring Filipino prospects in events such as Pinoy Pride 41 on July 8, 2017, where multiple knockouts highlighted local talent. Top Rank Boxing bouts, including title fights, were telecast live from 2014 to 2017, often in cooperation with promoters. Mixed martial arts coverage included ONE Championship events, emphasizing regional fighters. Additional live sports included Philippine national football team (Azkals) matches and UAAP football, alongside niche events like Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup and world-class billiards tournaments. These broadcasts prioritized high-profile domestic leagues, with production emphasizing real-time commentary and multi-angle coverage to engage audiences.

Action-oriented and combat sports

ABS-CBN Sports and Action provided extensive coverage of through the series, a promotional platform highlighting Filipino boxers in international matches. Events such as 40, featuring bouts like versus Komgrich Nantapech on May 17, 2017, were broadcast live, emphasizing knockouts and regional title defenses by local prospects. 41 on July 8, 2017, showcased multiple knockouts by emerging Filipino fighters, underscoring the channel's focus on national boxing talent development. Later installments, including 44 on June 9, 2018, in , , featured the Pagara brothers' returns to the ring, with securing a regional title. The channel also aired Top Rank Boxing promotions, serving as a key outlet for world-class professional fights involving Filipino contenders until their discontinuation in early 2017. These broadcasts contributed to the visibility of boxers like , whose highlights from 38 were featured in September 2016. In , ABS-CBN Sports and Action held broadcasting rights for events starting in 2016, with a renewed partnership announced on June 29, 2017, enabling live coverage of regional and world title fights featuring Philippine athletes such as and . This included high-stakes cards like ONE: Conquest of Heroes in . Complementing live events, the channel produced original content like Fight Farm, an amateur MMA reality competition launched by URCC and AFC, which premiered on August 14, 2016, at 7 p.m., following 16 Filipino fighters vying for professional contracts through elimination bouts. The series culminated in Jiar "The Twister" Castillo defeating Norman "The Gunman" Agcopra to claim the inaugural title in November 2016, highlighting grassroots MMA development amid personal fighter narratives.

Original and acquired shows

ABS-CBN Sports and Action produced a range of original studio-based programs emphasizing , athlete narratives, and fitness instruction, complementing its live event coverage. These shows typically aired in block formats during off-peak sports hours, targeting audiences interested in analysis and behind-the-scenes content. The Score served as the channel's primary sports news bulletin, delivering concise updates, highlights, and commentary on domestic and global events, often hosted by anchors like Mico Halili and TJ Manotoc. It launched alongside the channel's debut on January 18, 2014, initially as a 15-minute roundup before expanding into fuller segments. The program ran weekdays until the channel's operations ended in May 2020. Sports U, a documentary-style magazine series, focused on in-depth profiles of Filipino athletes, their training routines, and personal challenges, hosted by figures like . Episodes featured segments on stars and prodigies, with production emphasizing inspirational storytelling. It premiered in 2015 and continued airing through the channel's final years. Other original offerings included Beyond The Game, which examined athletes' post-competition careers and life transitions through interviews and features, slotted into midday schedules by mid-2016. Fitness-oriented Team FitFil provided home workout tutorials and health tips, debuting in 2020 amid pandemic restrictions. Acquired shows were fewer, primarily international sports magazines filling gaps in programming. Gillette World Sport, a BBC-produced highlights and interview series covering global athletics, was broadcast from 2017 onward, offering viewers exposure to non-local narratives. These selections aligned with the channel's action theme but prioritized brevity to accommodate live feeds.

Technical and distribution aspects

Broadcast standards and formats

ABS-CBN Sports and Action transmitted its terrestrial signal via DWAC-TV on UHF channel 23 in , employing the ISDB-T digital standard adopted for in the . This format enabled multiplexing of SD and HD feeds, along with mobile reception via 1seg, supporting resolutions up to . The channel initially broadcast in standard definition (SD) at resolution with a 16:9 , consistent with ABS-CBN's early digital implementations. An HD simulcast at resolution in 16:9 was introduced in January 2016, available to subscribers with HD digiboxes, enhancing clarity for live . Cable distribution followed digital formats like or H.264 compression, with both SD and HD variants offered on platforms such as and Destiny Cable, prioritizing presentation to match international feeds. Audio was typically in stereo, with some events featuring capabilities in HD.

International and digital extensions

ABS-CBN Sports and Action maintained an international feed tailored for overseas Filipino audiences, distributed primarily through (TFC) and select cable providers abroad. In July 2015, the channel became available on in , expanding alongside TFC and Lifestyle Network to reach viewers in that market. This feed carried a mix of domestic programming and content exclusive to international subscribers, including live events and action series aimed at the global . Digitally, the channel's offerings extended to ABS-CBN's iWant streaming service, which launched a dedicated iWant Sports section on February 28, 2019, enabling on-demand access to league highlights, replays, and original programs previously aired on the linear channel. For international users, iWantTFC provided streaming of select S+A content, such as UAAP and games, with global access starting from events like the tournament on May 4, 2022, though earlier extensions included similar sports coverage. Additionally, the Sports YouTube channel hosted free clips, interviews, and full episodes of shows like The Score and workout series, broadening reach beyond traditional broadcast. These platforms emphasized mobile and app-based consumption, aligning with growing digital viewership trends in the and abroad prior to the channel's 2020 closure.

Franchise denial and controversies

Timeline of renewal process

  • The ABS-CBN Corporation's legislative franchise, which encompassed its broadcasting operations including sports channels like ABS-CBN Sports and Action, was established under Republic Act No. 7966, signed into law on March 30, 1995, and effective for 25 years until its expiration on May 4, 2020.
  • Renewal bills were first introduced in the 16th Congress in 2014, with House Bill No. 4997 filed on September 11, 2014, by Isabela Representative Giorgidi Aggabao, marking the initial legislative effort to extend the franchise ahead of its term end.
  • Additional bills followed in the 17th Congress in 2018, but none advanced to approval before the convening of the 18th Congress in July 2019, where eleven separate franchise renewal bills were filed seeking another 25-year term.
  • On February 24, 2020, the House of Representatives announced plans to address the renewal, coinciding with a Senate public services committee hearing on the matter, though no immediate vote occurred.
  • Following the franchise expiration on May 4, 2020, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, in joint session with committees on good government and public accountability, initiated formal hearings on May 26, 2020, to evaluate the renewal applications.
  • Subsequent hearings continued through June, including a session on June 17, 2020, focusing on allegations of franchise violations, tax issues, and operational compliance, with over 13 sessions conducted in total.
  • On July 10, 2020, the House committee voted 70-11 to deny the franchise renewal, citing unresolved concerns over foreign ownership limits, unpaid taxes, and other regulatory infractions as grounds for rejection.
  • No further legislative action on renewal occurred in the 18th Congress, with discussions deferred beyond the 2022 elections, and subsequent attempts in the 19th Congress, such as House Bill No. 8298 filed on January 5, 2023, also stalled without passage.

Regulatory violations and government rationale

The House Committee on Legislative Franchises, in its July 10, 2020, resolution, cited multiple regulatory violations by as grounds for denying its franchise renewal application, emphasizing non-compliance with constitutional mandates and franchise terms. Key issues included alleged circumvention of the 1987 Constitution's 100% Filipino ownership requirement for through Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs), which enabled foreign entities to control approximately 62% of voting shares via corporate layering. Additionally, the committee highlighted unauthorized operations of the TV Plus Box on Channel 43 beyond an expired demonstration permit since June 2015, and the Kapamilya Box Office service, which charged fees for content intended as under the franchise. Labor practices drew significant scrutiny, with the committee noting 67 pending cases before the National Labor Relations Commission involving illegal dismissals, particularly for union activities, and contracts that waived regularization rights; only 25% of ABS-CBN's 11,701 employees were regularized, contravening labor laws on tenure security. Tax-related concerns involved alleged avoidance schemes that undermined government revenue, despite ABS-CBN's tax clearance from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, which the committee argued did not preclude liability for evasion or fraud. Doubts over the citizenship of ABS-CBN chairperson Gabriel "Gabby" Lopez III, who held dual Filipino-American citizenship and continued using a U.S. passport, further fueled claims of divided allegiance incompatible with full Filipino control. The government's rationale, articulated through congressional deliberations and subsequent (NTC) actions, framed the denial as essential for upholding regulatory integrity and public interest over corporate interests. On May 5, 2020, following the franchise's expiration under Republic Act No. 7966, the NTC issued a cease-and-desist order, citing the absence of a valid legislative franchise as justification for halting operations, including use. Proponents, including members aligned with the Duterte administration, argued that renewal would reward violations, erode constitutional safeguards against foreign influence in media, and perpetuate unfair labor and fiscal practices, potentially setting precedents for lax enforcement in broadcasting. While contested many allegations—claiming clearances from regulators like the BIR and Securities and Exchange Commission—the 's Technical Working Group, after hearings from May to July 2020, deemed the network undeserving based on documented non-compliance. This stance prioritized empirical enforcement of franchise conditions over continuity, reflecting a broader governmental emphasis on amid accusations of , though officially tied to legal infractions.

Criticisms of political motivations and media freedom claims

Critics asserting political motivations behind the July 10, 2020, congressional denial of 's franchise renewal often cite President Rodrigo Duterte's public criticisms of the network, including its refusal to air his 2016 campaign ads and subsequent coverage of his drug war, as evidence of retaliation rather than regulatory enforcement. However, such claims overlook the legislative process, where the House Committee on Legislative Franchises documented multiple substantive violations during hearings, including non-compliance with constitutional limits under Article XVI, Section 11 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandates 100% Filipino ownership for entities. Allegations of foreign control through structures were raised by Solicitor General , though disputed them; weighed these against the network's overall record, determining they contributed to deeming the company unfit for renewal. Tax-related issues further undermined narratives of purely political targeting, as hearings revealed ABS-CBN's use of domestic and foreign subsidiaries to minimize tax liabilities via questionable credits and inter-company transactions, described by lawmakers as avoidance schemes bordering on evasion, despite the company's tax clearances not absolving potential fraud or delinquencies. For instance, unresolved Bureau of Internal Revenue audits and the network's failure to fully remit franchise-related taxes were highlighted, with the House technical working group noting these as violations of franchise terms requiring fiscal compliance. Labor disputes added to the case, including thousands of pending National Labor Relations Commission cases against ABS-CBN for unfair practices, which the company had delayed resolving, prioritizing operational continuity over employee claims. These empirical lapses—independent of content criticism—provided a legal basis for denial, as broadcast franchises are conditional privileges granted by Congress under Republic Act No. 7306 and related laws, revocable for non-adherence to public interest standards like financial transparency and ownership purity. Assertions that the denial threatened media freedom have been critiqued for conflating regulatory accountability with , as ABS-CBN's operations ceased legally after its March 30, 2020, franchise expiration, yet the network illegally continued broadcasting until the National Telecommunications Commission's May 5, 2020, cease-and-desist order, demonstrating enforcement of rather than suppression. Post-shutdown, ABS-CBN persisted via cable, satellite, and digital platforms like and its app, reaching millions without interruption, which belies claims of silencing; meanwhile, other Duterte-critical outlets such as operated unimpeded, indicating no blanket assault on dissent. Lawmakers like framed the decision as reclaiming public airwaves from oligarchic control—the Lopez family's dominance in media—aligning with Duterte's anti-elite platform to democratize access, rather than partisan vendetta. This perspective posits that true media freedom entails equal application of laws to powerful entities, not exemptions for non-compliance masked as press rights.

Shutdown and subsequent impacts

Immediate operational cessation (2020)

The (NTC) issued a cease-and-desist order on May 5, 2020, directing to immediately halt all radio and television broadcasting operations after the company's 25-year legislative franchise expired at midnight on May 4, 2020. This order encompassed Sports+Action, a cable and satellite channel under the ABS-CBN umbrella, which ceased over-the-air and carriage on cable providers that evening. ABS-CBN Sports+Action, operational since its rebranding from in 2014, signed off alongside the parent network's channels, ending live coverage and reruns without prior notice to viewers. The channel had been broadcasting events such as NBA games, PBA matches, and UAAP tournaments, but the abrupt halt disrupted ongoing schedules amid the lockdown in the . Compliance with the NTC directive was immediate, with the network's signal terminating around 7:52 PM, affecting an estimated 20 million households reliant on cable distribution for programming. Although cable channels like Sports+Action did not directly fall under the free-to-air franchise, the NTC interpreted the expiration as prohibiting any broadcasting activity by entities, prompting providers to drop the feed to avoid regulatory penalties. This cessation marked the end of the channel's linear TV operations, though select digital streams and partnerships persisted temporarily before full division wind-down in August 2020.

Effects on staff and sports coverage

The shutdown of ABS-CBN Sports and Action on August 31, 2020, resulted in the retrenchment of approximately 70 personnel from the sports division, representing up to 70% of its workforce, as part of company-wide layoffs affecting thousands out of 's roughly 11,000 employees. This included sports journalists, production staff, and on-air talent such as courtside reporters, who expressed devastation over lost opportunities and the closure crippling pathways for aspiring sportscasters in the . Dino Laurena, head of ABS-CBN Integrated Sports, described the announcement as "heart-wrenchingly painful," highlighting the emotional toll on long-term employees who had built the division since its establishment in 2000. The cessation severely disrupted sports coverage, ending broadcast rights for key leagues including the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) since 2000, (NCAA) from 2003–2012 and 2015–2019, (NBA) since the 2010–11 season, (MPBL) since 2018, (PBL), , and ONE Championship events. Collegiate and , staples of ABS-CBN Sports' programming, faced immediate gaps in free-to-air accessibility, prompting leagues like the MPBL to seek alternative partners and contributing to a broader contraction in media production. Sports personalities, including former player and star , voiced disbelief at the franchise denial on July 10, 2020, citing it as an "injustice" that undermined decades of contributions to elevating Philippine sports visibility. The loss of ABS-CBN's sports infrastructure, which had positioned its online platform as a top destination for sports content, led to reduced depth in coverage across , , football, and other disciplines, with the Philippine sports community lamenting the void left for athletes and fans reliant on comprehensive, nationwide broadcasting. While some events migrated to rival networks or digital streams, the immediate effect was a diminishment in production quality and reach, particularly for youth and amateur leagues that benefited from ABS-CBN's promotional role.

Shift to digital platforms and legacy in Philippine broadcasting

Following the cessation of its free-to-air broadcasts on May 5, 2020, ABS-CBN Sports and Action transitioned its content delivery to digital platforms, including , , and the ABS-CBN website, to sustain sports coverage amid the franchise denial. This shift enabled the continuation of highlights, replays, and athlete features from leagues such as UAAP basketball, NCAA, and PVL volleyball, with dedicated channels like ABS-CBN Sports on amassing ongoing uploads of game recaps and interviews. Cable affiliates, including the S+A channel where operational, supplemented this by airing select events, though regulatory constraints limited terrestrial reach. The digital pivot accelerated during the 2020-2021 period, coinciding with the , as invested in streaming innovations to reach audiences without broadcast signals. By 2021, sports content expanded to include and international partnerships, such as fights, maintaining viewer engagement through free online access despite revenue losses from traditional advertising. This adaptation preserved production of original programming like athlete documentaries and live streams on , though viewership metrics shifted toward shorter-form content optimized for mobile consumption. In Philippine broadcasting, ABS-CBN Sports and Action left a legacy of pioneering comprehensive coverage that elevated local leagues to national prominence, including first-of-its-kind full telecasts of the in 2010 and extensive UAAP/NCAA rights acquisitions starting in the 2000s. Its innovations, such as multi-angle game analysis and athlete career-launching features, influenced competitors and fostered talents who transitioned to professional leagues abroad, though critics noted over-reliance on basketball-centric programming amid underrepresented sports like football. Post-shutdown, this digital resilience underscored a broader industry trend toward online platforms, with ABS-CBN's sports output contributing to sustained in events like the MPBL despite fragmented access.

Reception and evaluation

Achievements in sports coverage

ABS-CBN Sports and Action provided pioneering coverage of collegiate and through exclusive rights to the of the (UAAP) from 2011 onward, elevating these events to national prominence with viewership peaks during women's finals, including record ratings for Studio 23's predecessor broadcasts that transitioned to the channel. The channel's broadcasts of women's in 2013–2014 contributed to sustained high engagement, as the league's matches routinely drew audiences exceeding those of prime-time entertainment programs, fostering widespread interest in the sport among Filipino youth. Its NBA coverage marked a milestone in free-to-air access, with the 2013 Finals between the and achieving unprecedented ratings in the , surpassing prior benchmarks for imported content and solidifying ABS-CBN's role in introducing global leagues to mass audiences without cable subscriptions. Similarly, the channel aired the (NCAA) games, MPBL matches, and (PVL) events, amassing viewership through delayed telecasts and highlights that extended reach beyond live airing constraints. In recognition of innovative promotional campaigns for UAAP , ABS-CBN Sports received a gold award at the 2016 Asia Sports Industry Awards, credited with driving higher television ratings, record gate attendance at arenas, and increased digital page views and video streams for related content. The channel also broadcast international fixtures such as events, bouts featuring , and Southeast Asian Games highlights, which collectively expanded Filipino exposure to combat sports and regional competitions. ABS-CBN Sports and Action innovated in athlete-focused programming, producing documentaries like those on UAAP phenom and shows such as "The Score" that detailed personal narratives, enhancing fan connection and contributing to over 1 million followers across and by through integrated clips and live streams. This multi-platform approach, combining free TV with online extensions, democratized access to sports analysis and behind-the-scenes content, particularly during off-seasons or pandemics when traditional broadcasts were limited.

Criticisms and operational shortcomings

Solar Entertainment Corporation filed an estafa complaint in July 2017 against ABS-CBN executives, including chairman Eugenio Lopez III and president Carlo Katigbak, alleging failure to remit approximately P659 million in licensing and carriage fees for NBA broadcasting rights under a 2010 agreement that allowed ABS-CBN's Sky Cable to air content from Solar-owned channels like Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV. The complaint stemmed from disputes over unpaid obligations spanning three years, with Solar claiming ABS-CBN benefited from the content without fulfilling financial terms. ABS-CBN denied the allegations, countering that Solar owed the network substantial amounts and framing the filing as retaliatory harassment tied to prior civil litigation where a court had temporarily attached ABS-CBN assets before lifting the order. This legal entanglement underscored operational tensions in ABS-CBN Sports and Action's rights acquisition and payment processes for high-profile international leagues, exposing vulnerabilities in contractual enforcement within the division. Similar frictions arose in negotiations for domestic leagues; for instance, PBA team executives in 2016 addressed perceptions of favoritism toward affiliated teams during ABS-CBN broadcasts, insisting no undue influence affected coverage integrity despite shared corporate interests in the league ecosystem. Viewer and industry feedback occasionally highlighted shortcomings in production consistency, such as delayed or incomplete live coverage of events like UAAP games due to technical glitches, though systematic data on complaint volumes remains limited. These issues, while not unique to the channel, reflected broader operational strains in maintaining high-quality, uninterrupted programming amid resource constraints in the Philippine cable market.

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