THE first commercial radio broadcast occurred at 6 p.m. on November 2, 1920, in the US state of Pennsylvania. That date was chosen because it was Election Day, and radio station KDKA announced the results of the presidential race long before the newspapers could get to press. The rest is history.
In this age of instant communication by cell phone and computer, the radio is still a lifeline during emergencies, a source of constant entertainment, and a way to get ideas and information to everyone equally. The cheapest battery-powered radio can compete with the most expensive high-tech gadget.
Aliw Broadcasting Corp. (a sister company of the BusinessMirror), through its nine radio stations, has been bringing quality radio to the Philippines for nearly 25 years. Under the guidance of Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, Aliw Broadcasting chairman emeritus and founder, the management and staff take seriously their responsibility to the public.
American radio pioneer Harry von Zell once said, “Radio is the most intimate and socially personal medium in the world.” It is just you and your radio.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution enshrines the freedom of speech and the press and media. Subsequent Philippine law requires that a broadcasting franchise be approved by the House of Representatives to ensure that the broadcaster be financially sound, responsible for proper infrastructure, and that the publicly owned airwaves are respected.
On Wednesday the House of Representatives approved House Bill 5391 of Majority Leader and Liberal Party (LP) Rep. Neptali M. Gonzales II of Mandaluyong City. This bill will renew the franchise of Aliw Broadcasting for another 25 years. Deputy Speaker Joseph H. Durano of Cebu City said legislators gave their unanimous approval to Aliw Broadcasting. Gonzales said, “Aliw Broadcasting, through the years, dedicated and committed itself to efficient and effective public service by way of timely, accurate and useful dissemination of information to Filipino listeners.”
The measure was sponsored by House Deputy Minority Leader and Party-list Rep. Silvestre H. Bello III of 1-BAP at the Committee on Legislative Franchises, headed by LP Rep. Marcelino R. Teodoro of Marikina City.
In reviewing Aliw’s past performance and financial strength, Gonzales said, “Since its original franchise is expiring in 2017, another legislative authorization to continue its public service and operation is indispensable.”
Under the congressional-granted franchise, Aliw is required to “promote public participation in community programming; assist in the functions of public information and education; conform to the ethics of honest enterprise; and provide at all times sound and balanced programming.”
We at the BusinessMirror congratulate Aliw Broadcasting on receiving this approval from the House as an indication of the legislature’s confidence in Aliw to continue to provide a valuable and important public service to all Filipinos. We look forward to another 25 years.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano