New PTV general manager takes oath

NEW People’s Television (PTV4) general manager Antonio Baltazar “Toby” Nebrida Jr. yesterday vowed to sustain improvements in the state-network and make it more responsive in fulfilling its mandate.

Nebrida, who was serving as spokesman of the Department of Migrant Workers prior to his new appointment, took his oath as PTV4 general manager before Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil yesterday. He said a formal turnover at PTV4 was set for Wednesday.

“It is with great humility and gratitude that I take this responsibility, this appointment of the President as the general manager and new board member of the People’s Television Network Incorporated,” he said adding that “the most immediate directive… is to ensure that a smooth and orderly transition from the previous leadership to my leadership.”

Nebrida, a former broadcast journalist, said he intends to “listen” to the employees’ concerns.

He said the employees have the right to express their opinion and stand on an issue.

“It’s ironic if I will not, as head of the national broadcasting network, allow people to air their grievances, legitimate or otherwise,” he added.

Nebrida said his immediate plans for the network include continuing the network’s reorganization, improving capabilities and skills of the members of the state-network to enable them to do their jobs better, and “anything that will make the status of our employees move to a better condition.”

He also said he will continue to improve the network’s programming to make it more responsive, and to upgrade the technical capabilities of the network.

PCO announced last week Nebrida’s appointment vice Analisa Puod. PTV employees then called for Puod’s retention and the withdrawal of Nebrida’s appointment. They said Puod has shown her concern, commitment, and competence in bringing about changes at the government network.