A Philippine broadcaster is forced off the air
President Rodrigo Duterte says ABS-CBN’s troubles are nothing to do with him
A NEW TELEVISION drama is gripping the Philippines. Its protagonists include ABS-CBN, a giant broadcaster, and President Rodrigo Duterte. The story begins back in 2016, when ABS-CBN did not air some adverts backing Mr Duterte’s campaign for president, noting that others had booked the slots first. He has held a grudge ever since, compounded by the network’s damning reports on his blood-drenched campaign against drugs. Matters came to a head on May 5th. The National Television Commission (NTC), a regulator, ordered the broadcaster to cease operations immediately. It went off-air at 7.52pm that day. (Its cable-news channel and digital offerings are still available.)
This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “Blank screen”
Asia May 9th 2020
- Vietnam and the Indian state of Kerala curbed covid-19 on the cheap
- A Kazakh politician with a pedigree unexpectedly loses her job
- The Taliban are joining Afghanistan’s fight against covid-19
- A Philippine broadcaster is forced off the air
- Thais seem ever less impressed by the army
- Sun-shy Indonesians are suddenly soaking up the rays
- India’s government is better at curbing critics than covid-19
From the May 9th 2020 edition
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