Senate approves bills granting franchise extension of four broadcasting firms

The Senate on Monday, May 28, approved on third and final reading bills granting the franchise extension of four broadcasting companies for 25 years, which included dzRH radio operator Manila Broadcasting Company.
Senator Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares, chair of the Senate committee on public services, sponsored the House bills seeking to renew franchises of MBC, Bright Star Broadcasting Corp., Notre Dame Broadcasting Corp., and Vanguard Radio Network Company.
In her speech, Ms. Llamanzares noted the importance of broadcast services to provide timely and accurate news to Filipinos.
“Broadcast services are the nervous system of our society as they connect communities and families through a seamless flow of information,” she said.
She also lauded radio dzRH’s role in the nation’s history from World War 2 to the EDSA Revolution until the administrations of former Presidents Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Benigno S.C. Aquino III.
Bright Star Broadcasting Corp. operates FM radio station Retro 105.9.
Vanguard Radio was created in 1961 with broadcast stations in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Baguio City, La Union, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Cagayan and Bohol.
Nortre Dame Broadcasting is based in Kidapawan City and an affiliate of the Catholic Media Network. — Camille A. Aguinaldo