TV5 TO SEEKS NTC'S APPROVAL TO OPEN STATIONS IN 15 PROVINCES!

MANILA - A unit of TV5 operator MediaQuest Holdings Inc plans to build stations, all of which will be in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range, in 15 provinces.

In a filing with the National Telecommunications Commission, MediaScape Inc is applying for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) to install, operate and maintain 10-kilowatt UHF broadcasting stations in the following areas:

- Tabas, Albay;

- Tagbilaran, Bohol;

- Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya;

- Iriga, Camarines Sur;

- San Jose, Nueva Ecija;

- Bayawan, Negros Occidental;

- Toledo, Cebu;

- Baybay, Leyte;

- Nara, Palawan;

- San Jose, Antique;

- Madridejos, Cebu;

- Panamalayan, Occidental Mindoro;

- Mati, Davao Oriental;

- Cadiz, Negros Occidental;

- Maramag, Bukidnon;

- Calbayog, Samar; and

- Sagay, Negros Occidental.

MediaScape said it will operate TV broadcasting services in these areas for the benefit of the general public through the broadcast of quality programs. The company said it is legally, financially and technically qualified to maintain and operate the service.

MediaScape is seeking NTC approval of frequency allocation, construction permits, permits to purchase and posses equipment necessary for its continued operation. At present, TV5's 19 TV and five radio stations around the country cover 88.6 percent of the national urban population.

Manuel V. Pangilinan, TV5 chairman, had said the company aims to cover 100 percent of the Philippine population this year. He had said TV5 will spend P6 billion this year to launch new programs and complete a state-of-the-art Media Center in Mandaluyong.

Earlier, TV5 said it overtook rival GMA Network in Iloilo, Cebu Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and General Santos City in the fourth quarter of 2012, sharing the top spot with competitor ABS-CBN.

TV5 also gained leadership in Dagupan, where GMA7's steady decline has contributed to the former's growth beginning second quarter of 2012.

TV5's audience share has grown to between 15-17 percent from 3 percent three years ago when the PLDT group acquired the broadcast network.

SOURCE