The Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) is a television network under the control of the Presidential Administration in the Philippines. DZTV-TV is the flagship television channel of the group, which operates a total of seven television channels and three radio channels.
Media assets
Television: DZTV-TV (IBC-TV 13 Manila), IBC TV-6 Baguio, IBC TV-12 Iloio, IBC TV-13 Cebu, IBC TV-6 Palo, IBC TV-10 Cagayan de Oro, IBC TV-13 Davao
Radio: Radyo Budyong Kalibo, Radyo Budyong Roxas
State Media Matrix Typology: State-Controlled (SC)
Ownership and governance
IBC is a wholly government-owned entity, under the control of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) of the Philippines. It is a principal component of the Presidential Administration’s media division, along with PTV and PBS. In early 2020, the PCOO announced plans for new investments in the broadcaster as part of the government’s larger strategy to transform the station into an education-focused broadcaster.
In January 2023, the House of Representatives approved the renewal of the franchise granted to IBC for a further 25 years. The government has announced its intention to privatize the company in 2025.
Source of funding and budget
As detailed in the corporation’s annual reports and financial statements, IBC generated a total income of PHP 653m (US$ 13m) in 2021. Over 66% of the total income was derived from a government allocation.
However, in 2023, the broadcaster encountered a significant financial challenge. In August 2023, IBC’s management requested funding from Congress after the legislative body announced that it would not approve any state funding allocation for IBC in the country’s 2024 budget. Previously, a government spokesperson indicated that IBC did not receive state funding due to its planned privatization, which is now expected in 2025.
Editorial independence
IBC is fully controlled by the Presidential Administration, which is the main decision-maker in all matters related to the broadcaster’s operations, including its editorial agenda. There is currently no independent assessment of the IBC’s editorial performance available.
September 2024