Brief History
The original Channel 5, or Associated Broadcasting Corporation was established in 1960 by the late Joaquin “ Chino” Roces y Pardo who at that time was also publisher of the leading English broadsheet, the Manila Times. By virtue of a Congressional franchise under Republic Act. No. 2945 dated June 19, 1960, ABC operated as a radio and television broadcasting network from 1960 until September 21, 1972 when then President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared martial law. Both Channel 5 and the Manila Times were forcibly closed for their critical stance against the Marcos regime and their crusade against the suppression of press freedom.
After the People Power Revolution in February, 1986, Don Chino Roces made a successful representation with President Corazon Cojuangco Aguino for the reopening of ABC.
New stockholders then began the arduous task of resuscitating the network. The Securities and Exchange Commission granted their application for an increase in capitalization and amendments to ABC’s articles of incorporation and by-laws. They were subsequently granted a permit to operate by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
ABC broke ground in what was to become its new studio complex in Novaliches, Quezon City in 1990. By the final quarter of 1991, ABC was on test broadcast. Commercial operation started in February, 1992. A brand new television and radio broadcasting network was born – ABC Development Corporation, doing business under the trade name Associated Broadcasting Company.
ABC acquired a new franchise to operate on December 9, 1994, under Republic Act 7831 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos. In the same year, it went on nationwide satellite broadcasting. It became the country’s fastest-growing network, with its rapid expansion of provincial stations and cable affiliates all over the country. It also began to establish a reputation for creativity and innovation with its groundbreaking programs. Amid the escalating network war, ABC succeeded in gaining a foothold, as the dark clouds of the Asian crisis loomed in the horizon. The next several years were a matter of survival.
A NEW BEGINNING
In October, 2003, ABC was acquired by a group led by businessman Antonio O. Cojuangco, former Chairman of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and owner of Dream Satellite Broadcasting and Bank of Commerce, among others. Cojuangco, popularly known as Tonyboy, who serves as President and Chief Executive Officer, envisions a network that’s “strong on news and public affairs,
