SOPA urges Philippine government to allow ABS-CBN back on air

The Society of Publishers in Asia condemns the Philippine National Telecommunications Commission’s order forcing ABS-CBN off air.

ABS-CBN, one of the largest and most important media organizations in the Philippines, has reported extensively on human rights abuses committed by authorities as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

Forcing ABS-CBN off air sends a chilling effect through the news media and a message to journalists that criticizing those in power will not be tolerated.

Free flow of information during the coronavirus pandemic is more important now than ever. Families supported by the income of ABS-CBN’s 11,000+ employees are also at stake.

The Society of Publishers in Asia urges the Philippine government to renew ABS-CBN’s license and allow it to begin broadcasting immediately, free from intimidation and political harassment.

Letter-of appreciation from ABS-CBN.pdf