By Brian Jules Campued
Five decades of bringing timely and relevant news in the service of the Filipino, the People’s Television (PTV) marks a golden milestone in its voyage as it turns 50 this year. Celebrating a colorful history as a television pioneer, let’s take a trip down memory lane to witness the evolution of the ‘Pambansang TV’ over the years.
PTV began operations on February 2, 1974, as Government Television (GTV-4) under the National Media Production Center. It was renamed the Maharlika Broadcasting System (MBS) in 1980, when it also expanded operations through its provincial stations nationwide.
Following the People Power Revolution in 1986, the historic event prompted the rebranding of the network to People’s Television (PTV). Through the Republic Act No. 7306, PTV turned into a government corporation known formally as People’s Television Network Inc. (PTNI).
PTNI adopted a new image and name as the National Broadcasting Network (NBN), carrying the slogan: “One People. One Nation. One Vision.” on July 16, 2001. PTNI was later returned as the primary brand when NBN was retired.
But more than the history of the network, it is the people who helped steer PTV to the greatness it embodies today. More than being the government network, PTV is the ‘people’s television’.
For Doris Bigornia, PTV molded her into what and how she is as a broadcast journalist today — starting from the last rung of the organizational ladder, cutting dispatches from foreign news wires.
“Ang tanging kaligayahan ko noon, ‘pag nakita ko na ‘yung… may binigay na akong balita kay Mel Tiangco, narinig ko na siya… binasa niya yung balita. Iyon na ang achievement ko noon,” Bigornia said.
Similar to Bigornia, Angelique Lazo’s “love affair” with television and broadcasting “started from scratch” papers of foreign news wires, where they would write stories using broadcast language. Her career in PTV became a learning experience and has helped her to be more effective as an anchor and host.
“I was actually drawn to TV and to the news, parang… I felt like I could do it. And I had it probably in me,” Lazo said.
“As the days went by, parang doon ko unti-unti pang hinasa yung skills sa pagharap sa camera,” she added.
For Korina Sanchez-Roxas, MBS was the birthplace of her career as an anchor. Starting as an editorial assistant, Sanchez became a weather girl for a primetime newscast and a beat reporter before she officially became an anchor.
“I was so excited being part of a bigger group and broadcast was really an exciting world for me,” she said.
Ces Oreña-Drilon, meanwhile, was exposed to some of the best industry experts during her stint as an MBS reporter. She recalled having her script rejected as she learned the basics of writing.
“When I entered the MBS-4 newsroom, doon ko nalaman na: ito ang gusto kong gawin for the rest of my life,” Drilon said.
Senator Loren Legarda, for her part, is “honored and privileged” that she was entrusted with a good show even though she was still a young anchor. During her career in PTV, Legarda said she learned from her colleagues, who welcomed and mentored her.
“Natutunan ko ‘yung kahalagahan ng deadlines, disiplina, complete staff work, ‘nothing is done until it’s done’,” she said.
For Sen. Raffy Tulfo, his heart for public service started in PTV, where he hosted a public affairs show. He said that he became a senator with the help of his experience in public service under PTV-4.
“I had many good memories which equated to good experience and knowledge. Whatever I have now, I owe it to PTV-4,” Tulfo said.
Crucial to its role in informing, inspiring, and empowering people through relevant, credible, and world-class quality programming and services, the People’s Television Network will continue to serve the Filipino people and the Bagong Pilipinas.
This is your Pambansang TV, and this is our story. – av