Is RPN-9 Destined to Return?

August 4, 2014

'The RPN name and logo, in which Solar Television took full control of the network’s airtime. (Logo courtesy of the Radio Philippines Network)'

All eyes are on Channel 9 and a possible return to the RPN name.

On July 21, The Kasama Network decided to reduce World-Class US Primetime (currently airing the US TV shows like 24: Live Another Day, Community, American Idol, Survivor and Smallville) in favor fo more local primetime shows, including telenovelas, Asian dramas, animes, Hollywood and Pinoy movies, and sports programs. For its news programs renaimed the network as Arangkada Balita (early evening), NewsWatch (late evening), RPN News Break (news update) and Arangkada Balita Weekend (weekend midnight).

In a related development, Media Newser Philippines also reported through a network insider that News9, the news department of the original Radio Philippines Network, will also be revived, with a target launch slated for the last quarter of 2014. The report came after Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation acquired RPN’s stake from Solar Entertainment. Then starting August 16, cartoons and educational programs will take over RPN’s weekend morning programming. Kids Weekend will feature the return of Sesame Street to Philippine television, as well as other memorable cartoons such as the Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake, Batman and the DC Comics Universe, and Pokemon.

With all these developments, does this mean the old Radio Philippines Network name will return on the air? Yes, will this lead to an even bigger plan.

Let’s face it, Channel 9 is and will always be known as RPN-9. From C/S 9, Solar TV and ETC in its history. RPN has been an iconic brand on Philippine television, and through good times and bad, the network always provided a great show for its viewers. Channel 9 is indeed an odd-job broadcaster for 54 years.

More importantly, with the possibility of bringing back the RPN name on air seems certain. Even the revival of the long-running newscast NewsWatch is bound to happen.

But there is one problem. Ramon Ang recently acquired a 30% stake of GMA Network, which means that he now has two stations in his watch. According to Media Newser Philippines, a merger between GMA and Solar News is inevitable, unless Ang gives up partial ownership of Channel 9.

Ang’s ownership of both networks will certainly affect the fortunes of both parties. Since GMA News and Public Affairs is the more recognizable and more credible of the two, they will be more than happy to absorb Solar News into their department. And as far as viewers are concerned, Solar News remains an unproven commodity even after three years of continuous operation.

Then again, these are all possibilities and might be subject to change in the near future. It is clear that the sun is definitely setting on Channel 9’s latest incarnation. As the ‘Solar’ name is quietly being retired from the brand, a new era in the history of the Radio Philippines Network is about to take place.

Their best years were during the Marcos years, prior to the infamous sequestration. Once they were sequestrated by Cory Aquino’s government, things went downhill, although the likes of Battle of the Brains, Penpen de Sarapen, NewsWatch, Marimar and Kwarta o Kahon kept them relevant. When the era with Superstar, Eat Bulaga, Batibot and John en Marsha remains RPN’s best.