IBC-13 now a winner, thanks to game shows

May 21, 2002 (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

SEQUESTERED TV station IBC 13 manages to keep up with the network battle despite the dominance of giant networks GMA 7 and ABS-CBN.

Under the new management of the chairman Cerge Remonde, who took over from Boots Anson-Roa from July 1998 to 2001, IBC 13 recently became more aggressive after surging ahead in the ratings with game shows like Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and The Weakest Link.

Although these game shows are block timers of Viva Television, they have helped IBC 13 rise from its financial slump and mediocre ratings.

Viva TV produces more than five hours of daily primetime programs for IBC 13, from 5:30 to 11 p.m. The station also has the PBA games, the Viva-produced Tagalog movies and imported telenovelas.

"Viva's entry was very significant for us," says IBC 13 public affairs director Marietta "Mayet" Camacho. "It made us the most financially stable among all the government-owned networks (like RPN 9 and NBN 4). We also gained more viewers."

IBC 13 now supplements its monthly income with its earnings from Viva and other block timers, as well as with RPN 9's rental of the facilities.

The Mateo Management Group (MMG) is the block timer for the daily noontime show, Lunch Break.

Camacho says it helps that the new IBC 13 chairman is also a broadcaster and is now chairman of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP).

"Mr. Remonde works hands-on even in the monitoring of the programs," Camacho says. "He meets with us regularly and discusses even the particular episodes to be aired in the public affairs programs. He also gives his inputs and suggestions."

While the network was previously beset by strikes from its employees union, there is now industrial peace at IBC 13, according to Camacho.

"We've gone through the worst times and we've weathered the storm. Now we're ready to move ahead."

IBC 13 has decided to beef up its news and public affairs programs.

"The new management is very supportive of news and public affairs," Camacho informs. "The programs which were conceptualized by Boots have been re-evaluated by Mr. Remonde. The station also enhanced the shows in terms of focus."

Good Take, hosted by Ida Marie Bernasconi, earned for IBC 13 its first Catholic Madd Media Award for best adult educational program. Now on its second year (Thursdays, 11:30 p.m.), it features inspirational and success stories about ordinary people.

"It's our alternative to bad news," says Camacho. "We go as far as Mindanao or the tip of Luzon to show that not all news is bad."

Jarius Bondoc hosts Linawin Natin (Mondays, 11:30 p.m.), which focuses on the issues and programs of government.

Noli Eala and former child star Precious Hipolito-Castelo team up in the daily hour-long afternoon newscast, Express Balita at 4:30 p.m.

Soon to premiere is Nora Mismo, a public service program to be hosted by Nora Aunor.

Anthony Pangilinan, who also anchors the late-night newscast IBC News Tonight (11 p.m.), will host People First (Wednesdays, 11:30 p.m.), a seminar on TV.

IBC 13 also plans to rehabilitate its provincial stations in Davao, Cebu and Iloilo, says Camacho.