Home NATIONWIDE ‘Competition concerns’ sa free TV, pinuna ng PCC sa pagkawala ng prangkisa...

‘Competition concerns’ sa free TV, pinuna ng PCC sa pagkawala ng prangkisa ng ABSCBN

MANILA, Philippines – Naka-apekto sa competition practices sa free TV ang nonrenewal ng prangkisa ng ABSCBN Corp, ayon sa isang antitrust body.

Sa pag-aaral na “Blocktiming Practices in the Philippine Free TV Industry,” tinukoy ng Philippine Competition Commission ang mga pagsubok gaya ng “increased market concentration,” kung saan naging dominant player ang GMA Network na may 93 percent market share.

Dahil dito, sinabi ng PCC na “it raises concerns about competition, access to broadcasting frequencies, and content diversity.”

“The exercise of market power may harm competition by curbing viewer choices and restricting the entry of content producers,” dagdag pa.

Pinuna rin ng PCC ang memorandum ng National Telecommunication Commission na nagbibigay regulasyon sa blocktime agreements, na nangangailangan ng NTC approval para sa blocktime deals, at magkaroon ng limit sa airtime para sa blocktime programming na hanggang 50%.

Ang pag-apruba sa blocktime deals “could make it more difficult and expensive for firms to enter the market, raise prices, create regulatory uncertainty, and distort competition,” ayon pa sa pag-aaral.

Magagamit din ito ng ilang TV networks sa pag-discriminate laban sa ilang firms o magkaroon ng pabor sa iba.

Para tugunan ang suliraning ito, inirekomenda ng pag-aaral ang pagbibigay ng mas maraming lisensya sa mga bagong TV station, maging ang renewal ng prangkisa ng ABSCBN.

“Due to the current lack of rivalry in the free TV sector, the government could promote competition by awarding licenses to new TV stations, making it easier for new stations to start up. Likewise, relevant authorities may reconsider the renewal of ABS CBN’s franchise upon satisfying other regulatory requirements.”

Mahalaga na suriin kung epektibo ba ang approval ng NTC sa blocktime deals.

“Ultimately, the success of free TV as a content distribution medium relies on robust competition and a supportive regulatory framework,” sinabi sa pag-aaral.

“Enforcing regulations that fosters fair access to airtime, prevent discrimination, and encourage diversity and innovation can address these competition concerns protect consumer interests,” dagdag pa. RNT/JGC