People’s Television Network (PTV) is a state-owned broadcaster under the control of the Government of the Philippines. The broadcaster was established in 1974. PTV operates a nationwide chain of 16 television stations.
Media assets
Television: PTV 4 Manila, PTV 8 Cordillera, PTV 4 Ylocos, PTV 4 Palawan, PTV 4 Naga, PTV 2 Guimaras, PTV 10 Dumaguete, PTV 11 Cebu, PTV 8 Tacloban, PTV 12 Calbayog, PTV 7 Zamboanga, PTV 11 Sibugay, PTV 11 Davao, PTV 8 Agusan Del Sur, PTV 8 Cotabato, PTV 8 Kidapawan
State Media Matrix Typology: State-Controlled (SC)
Ownership and governance
PTV is operated by People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI), a government agency under the authority of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), which serves as the country’s presidential administration. The President of the Philippines appoints five members to the Board of Directors, which governs PTNI. PTNI was established by virtue of Act No. 7306, which was subsequently amended.
In June 2024, the PCOO appointed Toby Nebrida as the PTV’s new general manager, a decision that has been criticized by some of the broadcaster’s staff.
Source of funding and budget
PTV has been subsidized by the government for a number of years, receiving allocations from the General Appropriations Act, which is the country’s state budget. Additionally, the broadcaster generated revenue through the sale of airtime and advertising. PTV’s income fluctuated significantly from year to year, depending on the government’s decisions. However, it should be noted that up until 2022, the government provided the majority of funding for PTV’s operations on an annual basis.
A company annual report reveals that PTV had a total budget of PHP 785m (US$ 15.7m) in 2020, with the state subsidy accounting for over 78% of that amount. The remainder was generated through the sale of airtime to third parties and advertising sales. In 2021, PTV had a total budget of PHP 780m (US$ 15.5m), with the government subsidy accounting for nearly 72% of this amount. In the following year, the government reduced its contribution significantly to PHP 181m, which was less than the revenue generated by the broadcast group from commercial activities, according to a company annual report. Nevertheless, the state remains responsible for the majority of the company’s expenditure and losses.
Editorial independence
Local journalists and experts interviewed for this report in March-April 2024 have indicated that PTV is subject to close supervision and censorship by the presidential administration.
The most recent research has not identified any legislation that establishes the independence of PTV. Conversely, the broadcaster openly describes itself as “the country’s premier source of government news and information.”
September 2024