Philippines’ Congress to delay the renewal of the franchise license of the country’s largest broadcasting network ABS-CBN, forcing the system to shut down on May 5, 2020. The network closure has led almost 11,000 people being put out of work at a critical time when the provision of information about Covid-19 is a vital service to the Filipino community. In rural areas, ABS-CBN has been the only program available to many homes. President Duterte himself has thanked the network for its essential role during the pandemic. FMM joined with solidarity with journalist and media workers at ABS-CBN broadcasting network, request authorities to take necessary measures to renew the license.

Read the full letter…