Rumors of ABS-CBN’s franchise ‘renewal’ weaponized in Romualdez-SMNI feud

MANILA, Philippines — Almost immediately after Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) was accused of committing franchise violations last year, several accounts that either repurpose viral entertainment content or appear to be hyperpartisan latched onto the false claim that ABS-CBN will return to free television by 2024, despite the network making no official announcement.

At least 12 social media accounts on different platforms and two news websites — all of which are not affiliated with ABS-CBN — posted similar narratives that said “reliable” sources have hinted at the former broadcasting giant’s “franchise renewal” by 2024. 

Meanwhile, three channels with hyperpartisan content accused House Speaker Martin Romualdez of orchestrating ABS-CBN’s comeback days after the House summoned SMNI representatives to a committee hearing on their alleged franchise violations.

While the majority of posts about ABS-CBN’s supposed comeback did not have a political angle, a few known hyperpartisan vloggers seized upon the rumor of ABS-CBN’s franchise “renewal” to either accuse Romualdez of having a hidden agenda or claim that SMNI played a hand in the non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise.

Posts promoting the claim mostly lacked corroborating details, failed to cite sources, and placed out-of-context recent statements of ABS-CBN executives who vowed to make 2024 the “best year” for the network.

These narratives have some of the markings of an influence operation that Philstar.com is tracking across all social media platforms, groups and spaces on the internet. 

A speech delivered by Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN's chief executive officer, during a Christmas event with employees in December 2023 was used to exacerbate the claims about the network’s return to free television.  

Several videos said that Katigbak hinted at ABS-CBN’s possible new franchise when he said during a corporate party that “next year will be the best year for ABS-CBN since 2020.”

Most videos echoing this claim were uploaded on TikTok, YouTube and Facebook from mid-December to mid-January.

One of the YouTube videos hyping up ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal that gained high traction was uploaded by “ShowbizAllIn.”