Six years after Congress denied the renewal of its broadcast franchise, ABS-CBN Corporation has transformed itself from one of the country’s largest free-to-air television networks into a content-driven media company, expanding its reach through strategic partnerships, digital platforms, and international distribution.
Since ceasing terrestrial operations in 2020, the Lopez-led company has shifted its focus to content production, licensing, and airtime agreements with various broadcasters. Today, ABS-CBN programs are carried by partner networks such as A2Z, operated by Zoe Broadcasting Network, as well as Advanced Media Broadcasting System’s ALLTV and ALLTV2, owned by businessman and former Senate President Manny Villar.
Several Kapamilya programs are also available on GMA Network, while ABS-CBN continues to strengthen its digital presence through Kapamilya Online Live, iWant, YouTube, and overseas channels. The company has likewise expanded the distribution of its content to international streaming and television platforms.
Although ABS-CBN’s long-running programming block agreement with TV5 ended in December 2025, the two networks renewed their collaboration in June 2026. The partnership resumed with the June 22 premiere of the action-comedy series “Sigabo,” starring Coco Martin and Julia Montes, which now airs simultaneously on TV5, ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and iWant.
The return of ABS-CBN programming to TV5 marked another significant shift in the country’s media landscape, with executives from both companies reaffirming their commitment to reaching more Filipino viewers through cross-network collaborations. Coco Martin himself thanked the participating networks for working together to broaden the program’s audience.
At the same time, ABS-CBN has formally abandoned efforts to recover its former status as a nationwide terrestrial broadcaster.
Company officials have acknowledged that seeking a new congressional franchise is no longer practical, given that the frequencies previously assigned to the network have already been allocated to other broadcasters.
The company’s transition toward a digital-first and content-licensing model has also improved its financial standing.
Over the past several years, ABS-CBN has significantly reduced its losses by prioritizing content creation, streaming, syndication, and overseas distribution, while maintaining its goal of returning to sustained profitability.
The business recovery comes amid an internal dispute within the Lopez family over the company’s future direction. Despite calls from a minority faction to liquidate certain assets, the majority bloc rejected the proposal and reaffirmed its confidence in ABS-CBN’s long-term prospects.
Addressing concerns over the media giant’s future, the Lopez majority emphasized the company’s determination to move forward, stating “survive and grow”
Six years after losing its broadcast franchise, ABS-CBN continues to adapt to a rapidly changing media industry, relying on partnerships and digital innovation to maintain its place in Philippine entertainment and news.