IBC turns 54

February 14, 2014

FROM THE 70'S AND 80'S TO 2014

Channel 13 started broadcasts in March 1, 1960 under the Inter-Island Broadcasting Corporation thru the tri-media conglomerate of RMN-IBC-Philippine Herald owned by the late Andres Soriano. The station also broadcasts in Cebu and Davao. Dick Baldwin was the station's first owner, and programming first consisted of mostly foreign programs from CBS, and a few local shows.

In the 1970s, IBC launches the color transmission named "Vinta Color" named after the Vintas from Zamboanga, the third network in the Philippines to convert to all-color broadcasts.

On the first day of February 1975, under the auspices of the Benedicto Group of Companies, the Philippines was delighted in the birth of a television station that would bring color to the dark years of the Martial Law era. Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) brought forth DZTV Channel 13, a commercial television station based on Metro Manila and initially beamed to seven relay stations scattered all over the archipelago.

From a relatively TV station, IBC reached greater heights and became the country's top-rating network. Through hard work coupled with and intrepid business sense, IBC management developed a strategic programming that appealed to the mass audience. Thus, IBC set a lot of firsts in the broadcasting industry. Showing full-length Tagalog films and the introduction of one-of-a-kind program genres were first seen on Channel 13. Who could ever forget such the hits Johnny Weismuller as Tarzan, Iskul Bukol, Sitak ni Jack, Seeing Stars with Joe Quirino, TODAS, See-True, Goin' Bananas, Sic O'Clock News, Chicks to Chicks, Loveliness, Hapi House, Barrio Balimbing, The Sharon Cuneta Show, CUTE (Call Us Two for Entertainment), Ora Engkantada, Pinoy Thriller, Eh Kasi Babae and a lot more.

Years passed after EDSA Revolution, things were never the same again in the network  IBC became a government controlled operation under the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG). Malacañang appointed several management groups to oversee the operation of the stations. The network's condition became congruent with the government situation.

New administrators meant new management.IBC managed to survive despite unstable conditions. The niche it has carved in the broadcasting industry proved to be an indelible one. Instant recall has always been associated with IBC and its glorious past. Now, a new hope shines on IBC, the network which pioneered various genres in TV production. As long as IBC remains a network with its innovative and creative core intact, the dream of reaching the top is not so far away.

THE SUPERSTAR NETWORK

It has been ascent or the newest kid on the block. Million poured into technology, acilities, programs and people resources. 30 stations and affiliates and 25 cablle station tie-ups through the years.

Number 3 in the chart of their own ratings. Over 25 new primetime programs developed and produced through the years. Continuing investments to improve reach, programs and systems. Enough rason for IBC to proclaim itself The Superstar Network of the Kapinoy network. A claim affirmed by the TV viewing public, whose perception of IBC-13 largely pertains to its phenomenal growth.

At 2014, IBC performed better than expected  Proof of growing confidence in the network - sales icnreased by 30% over 2013, while airtime sales to blocktimers rose by 130%. to cope with burgeoning demands, IBC increased its manpower force by about 25%, beefing up critical areas of operation.

NUMBER 3 IN RATINGS

Since the year of 1998, IBC sustained its gained viewership and raching the No.3 position in the TV industry behind ABS-CBN Channel 2 and GMA Channel 7, based on the recent surveys of Kantar Media. The country's third leading netwok has made a decent on the viewing Pinoy audience. Has started to hit the right track in its all-Filipino programming and home to the PBA and NBA basketball.