February 2, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The federal government ought to think about facilitating the entry of latest gamers, make clear the regulatory oversight on blocktiming, in addition to assist insurance policies to broaden shopper selection to advertise a aggressive tv trade, in keeping with a research printed by the Philippine Competitors Fee (PCC).
The suggestions have been made in a PCC market research titled “Blocktiming Practices within the Philippines Free TV Trade.”
The research discovered that the non-renewal of ABS-CBN Corp.’s franchise led to elevated market focus, with GMA Community Inc. rising because the dominant participant with a 93-percent market share.
“This focus raised issues about competitors and entry to broadcasting frequencies, in addition to potential limitations on content material range and viewers selection,” the PCC research stated.
Regardless of the power of dominant networks like GMA to restrict airtime entry, the research discovered that TV networks wouldn’t be incentivized in foreclosing airtime primarily based on present trade follow.
Foreclosures takes place when a TV community refuses to supply time slots to content material producers that aren’t affiliated with the community or when it prices exorbitant costs for time slots.
As networks acknowledge the worth of various content material, the research stated it’s unlikely for networks to safe exhibits from only one producer.
For a aggressive and dynamic tv trade, the PCC research recommends that the federal government takes steps to advertise competitors by supporting the entry of viable companies.
“Because of the present lack of rivalry within the free TV sector, the federal government might promote competitors by awarding licenses to new TV stations, making it simpler for brand spanking new stations to begin up,” the research stated.
It additionally recommends that the federal government rethink the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, offered it satisfies different regulatory necessities.
The PCC research additionally recommends clarifying the jurisdiction of the Nationwide Telecommunications Fee (NTC) on blocktime agreements.
A memorandum was launched by the NTC to control blocktime agreements by requiring prior approval and imposing limitations on their period and airtime allocation.
The PCC research stated this info needs to be successfully communicated to the involved stakeholders to make sure efficient oversight of the trade, significantly when it comes to implementing guidelines which will have an effect on market competitors.
“This may also make clear any misunderstanding which will come up from the interpretation of and compliance to the topic memorandum. A predictable regulatory atmosphere can assist foster a degree enjoying discipline amongst gamers within the trade,” the PCC research stated.
One other suggestion made by the research is to assist insurance policies that promote shopper selection and accessibility to content material by investing in infrastructure that helps the expansion of OTT providers.
“This might embody upgrading broadband networks and increasing entry to high-speed web,” the PCC research stated.
As well as, the research recommends that PCC takes no additional motion within the free TV sector apart from monitoring the entry of latest viable opponents and potential abuses of dominance so it might allocate its assets to sectors with larger impression on shopper welfare.
