The History of Philippine Television (Part 3)

Summary

On September 21, 1972, Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines, leading to the closure of all independent TV channels, radio stations, and newspapers. The media was under strict control, with Marcos' allies taking over key networks. After his regime fell in 1986, the Philippines saw a return to democratic institutions, with TV stations resuming broadcasts. ABS-CBN made a comeback after 14 years, while other stations like GMA7 and PTV4 rose to prominence. Today, television remains a powerful and pervasive medium in the Philippines.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines on September 21, 1972, using powers vested in the president by the Constitution.
• 🎥 The declaration of martial law marked one of the darkest periods for Philippine television, as media became a target of the Marcos administration.
• 📺 The Marcos government took control of all major media outlets, shutting down TV stations, radio stations, and newspapers that were not aligned with the regime.
• 📡 ABS-CBN was seized from the Lopez family, and its president, Yanel Lopez Jr., was imprisoned. Roberto Benedicto, Marcos' ally, took control of the network.
• 🎤 The Marcos administration used media to broadcast events that showed a positive image of the Philippines, such as the 1974 Miss Universe pageant and the 1975 Ali-Frazier fight.
• ⚰️ The assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1983 was barely covered by media under Marcos' control, with only limited airtime given for the event.
• 📡 By 1986, satellite transmissions began to challenge Marcos' control over media, allowing Filipinos around the world to witness the EDSA Revolution.
• 🛑 On February 24, 1986, MBS 4 went off the air, signaling the collapse of Marcos' media grip. Rebel forces eventually took control of the station.
• 🌍 The EDSA Revolution led to the restoration of democracy in the Philippines, with media outlets regaining independence and freedom of expression.
• 📺 ABS-CBN resumed broadcasting after 14 years, and other stations like RPN9 and IBC13 were sequestered by the government. PTV4 was launched as the 'People's Station.'

Q & A

What significant event occurred on September 21, 1972, in the Philippines?

On September 21, 1972, Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines, which led to significant changes in the country's political and media landscape.

How did martial law impact Philippine television and media?

Martial law resulted in the closure of TV channels, radio stations, and newspapers, except for those controlled by Marcos and his allies. Media was targeted as an enemy of the administration.

What was the first letter of instruction given by Marcos after declaring martial law?

The first letter of instruction ordered the takeover of all media firms to prevent the spread of communist propaganda.

Which television channels were affected by the martial law decree?

All seven Manila-based TV stations were affected, with Channels 9 and 13 eventually controlled by Ambassador Roberto Benedicto, and ABS-CBN being seized from the Lopez family.

Who controlled ABS-CBN after it was seized by Marcos?

After Marcos seized ABS-CBN from the Lopez family, it was controlled by Roberto Benedicto and his allies. Yñal Lopez Jr., the president of ABS-CBN at the time, was imprisoned.

How did the Philippines' television landscape evolve after martial law?

After martial law, Channel 2 was reopened by KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) under the Bano Broadcasting Corporation. The network began broadcasting propaganda and entertainment shows.

What role did television play in the 1983 assassination of Benigno Aquino?

The assassination of Benigno Aquino in 1983 was barely covered on television, with GMA7 only dedicating 10 seconds of airtime to the event during its funeral procession.

How did EDSA Revolution in 1986 impact television in the Philippines?

During the EDSA Revolution in 1986, multiple satellite transmissions went out, defying Marcos' control over media. Television played a crucial role in broadcasting the revolution, signaling the end of Marcos' dictatorship.

What happened to television stations during the People Power Revolution?

During the People Power Revolution, TV stations such as MBS 4 were taken over by rebel forces. The military and civilians used television to communicate the overthrow of the Marcos regime.

What was the state of television in the Philippines after the restoration of democracy?

After the restoration of democracy, ABS-CBN resumed broadcasting after 14 years, and other networks like RPN9 and IBC 13 were sequestered by the government. GMA7 remained one of the top stations in the country, and new stations like PTV4 were launched.