With ABS-CBN’s free television reach limited by its lack of franchise, the People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI), also known as PTV, believes it can overtake Manny V. Pangilinan’s TV5 to become the number two network in the country.
PTNI General Manager Ana Puod believes the state-run network is even capable of edging out GMA Network to become the country’s top television network “within the next few years.”
“So far, the goal next year is to become number 2. Conservatively, yun po ang gusto naming ma-achieve and hopefully within the next few years po mag-number 1 ang PTV sa lahat ng TV stations sa buong Pilipinas,” Puod said during the Senate Committee on Finance Subcommittee’s hearing Monday (September 18) on the Presidential Communications Office’s (PCO) 2024 budget proposal.
Puod, however, said the support of PCO and Congress is crucial for PTNI to upgrade its analog transmitters to digital. The network is asking for a government subsidy worth P128.914 million to continue its modernization next year.
PTNI currently has 16 analog transmitters all over the country. Puod said the network is targeting to put up 60 digital transmitters to cover the entire country, as well as its own broadcast complex within Metro Manila.
“In order to create good content, we need capital, creatives, equipment, ideas, and kailangan po nating tapatan ng konting gastos para ma-achieve po yun,” she said, noting that each digital transmitter costs around P25 million.
“We need to build our own broadcast complex na pwede pong tumapat sa, kung kaya po, if we can fund it, Warner Bros. or Universal Studios,” Puod said, adding the complex will not only house the studio for the network’s news content but also documentaries, community issues and other contents about cultural, educational, inspirational, sports and e-sports as well.
With its 14 news programs recently launched, Puod said PTV plans to gain more viewership by organizing e-sports competitions and reviving the National Quiz Bee. (With a report from PNA)
