ABS-CBN has closely documented President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal war on drugs that has left thousands of people dead. Such coverage has made it a target of the administration.
A leading media network in the Philippines was forced off the air on Tuesday, making it the first major broadcaster to have met such a fate during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, which is cracking down on news outlets that have been critical of his leadership.
The government’s telecommunications commission issued ABS-CBN Corp. a cease-and-desist order one day after the media giant’s broadcast franchise, which is granted by Congress, expired.
ABS-CBN said that it would comply with the order. “Millions of Filipinos will lose their source of news and entertainment when ABS-CBN is ordered to go off the air on TV and radio tonight when people need crucial and timely information as the nation deals with the Covid-19 pandemic,” the company said.
On Tuesday night, the broadcaster wrapped up its programming on one channel with a message that said: “This is ABS-CBN Corporation Channel 2. In the service of the Filipino. Now signing off.”
ABS-CBN is known for its prime time flagship news program, TV Patrol, as well as soaps and afternoon variety TV shows. Its offerings also include coverage of popular sports such as basketball and boxing.
Critics of Mr. Duterte say he has attacked media outlets that have closely documented his brutal war against drug dealers and users that has left thousands of people dead. ABS-CBN, along with the Filipino online news site Rappler, have been at the forefront of such coverage, which has helped prompt international rebuke.
Mr. Duterte has not tried to hide his scorn for the media, calling reporters “sons of bitches” and accusing them of being spies.
