Philippines To Transform State Broadcasting System into Independent Public Broadcasting Service

Trends indicate that organisations in the Philippines are taking steps to respond to a "multi-sectoral clamor" for Public Service Broadcasting (PSB). A recent survey conducted by author Ramon R. Tuazon's organisation, the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC), revealed that 9 out of 10 respondents said there is a need for PSB in the country. Approximately two-thirds believed that such a system could be economically viable.

This call for PSB in the Philippines is apparently not a new one: "For over four decades, we have been advocating for an alternative broadcast channel to complement the commercially-dominated Philippine broadcast media," claims Florangel Rosario-Braid. In her role as chairperson of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Communication Committee, Rosario-Braid convened a March 2005 multi-sectoral forum in Quezon City to discuss strategies for setting up the PSB. The 50 or so participants learned that the core of the envisioned PSB will come from government media networks, which include the National Broadcasting Network and Philippine Broadcasting Service.

It may take at least another year to undertake preparatory activities such as a feasibility study, public information and legislative advocacy, and production of programme prototypes. The author notes that the concept of PSB is not limited to the use of public radio and television; the Internet and mobile telephony, as well as linkages with existing community radio stations nationwide, are also being considered.