ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN is a Philippine media and content distribution company, serving as the flagship media brand of ABS-CBN Corporation, a subsidiary of Lopez Holdings Corporation. Formerly the country's largest free-to-air television network, ABS-CBN has since evolved into a multi-platform content producer and distributor following the expiration and non-renewal of its broadcast franchise in 2020. The company currently syndicates its programming across various platforms, including partner networks, cable channels, streaming services, and digital platforms.^[1]

As a free-to-air television network (1953–1972; 1986–2020)

Bolinao Electronics Corporation (BEC) was founded on June 13, 1946. It was established by James Lindenberg, an American electronics engineer considered to be one of the founding fathers of Philippine television. In 1949, Lindenberg shifted BEC to radio broadcasting with DZBC and planned the introduction of television to the Philippines in 1953.^[1]

Shift to online and broadcast syndication (2020–present)

ABS-CBN restructured its operations starting 2020, prioritizing and focusing content creation, digital distribution, public relations, designing and creating idents and bumpers for airtime leasing networks, and global partnerships across cable, satellite and over-the-top (OTT) platforms.^[1]

Branding

The ABS-CBN logo features three main elements: the vertical line rooted in a horizontal origin, the three extending circles, and the text ABS-CBN, forming the spinning top and balloon shape. These also forms a transmitter broadcasting radio waves, with the three primary additive colors (red, green, and blue) representing the Philippines' three major island groups. The logo also has a horizontal version, with the ABS-CBN text split into two parts, "ABS" and "CBN".^[1]

Operations

ABS-CBN Studios was created on January 5, 1962. It now serves as the core of the ABS-CBN brand, acting as the umbrella for all of the company's content production and distribution operations, including television, film, music, events, talent management, and production facilities. The studio comprises several divisions and works alongside various ABS-CBN subsidiaries, each specializing in areas such as cable channels, international distribution, and digital services.^[1]

Television

ABS-CBN Studios produces a wide range of television content including TV series, variety shows, and game shows for ABS-CBN affiliated platforms. The division, also called the ABS-CBN Entertainment unit, has from its inception focused on the creation and production of television shows. Its production companies include Dreamscape Entertainment and Star Creatives Television.^[1]

News and public relations

ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs, also known as ABS-CBN News, is the news and current affairs division. It is the country's largest international news and broadcast organization, maintaining several foreign news bureaus and offices through ABS-CBN's Global division. It produces two of the longest-running national newscasts in the Philippines: TV Patrol, launched in 1987, is the country's longest-running Tagalog-language primetime newscast; and The World Tonight, which first aired in 1966, is the longest-running English-language television newscast in the country.^[1]

Film

ABS-CBN Film, best known through its flagship brand Star Cinema, is the film production and distribution arm of ABS-CBN. Established in 1993, it is one of the leading film studio in the Philippines, responsible for some of the country's most successful and influential movies. Since the 2020s, ABS-CBN Film has released some of its titles in cable television and digital platforms such as Netflix, iWant, Viu, Amazon Prime Video, and its official YouTube channel.^[1]

Music

ABS-CBN Music, known primarily as Star Music, and alternatively and secondarily as Star Records since 2014, is the music division under Star Cinema for managing music production and distribution of the company. Founded in 1995, Star Music is one of the Philippines’ leading record labels and provides soundtracks for the company's television shows, films, and digital projects. Some of its sub-labels include Tarsier Records, Star Magic Records, and StarPop and features a roster of popular Filipino artists such as Darren Espanto, Moira Dela Torre, Erik Santos, Morissette, and Jona.^[1]

Talent development

Star Magic is the principal talent management and development arm of ABS-CBN, established in 1988 as Discovery. It is known for discovering, training, and managing many of the country's top actors, singers, and media personalities featured in Philippine entertainment industry programs, films, and events. Star Magic provides comprehensive workshops in acting, dance, and personality development, and annually introduces new talent through its Star Magic Circle and other artist launches.^[1]