MediaQuest, TV5, and Nine Media Corp. ink deal for RPTV

MEDIAQUEST HOLDINGS and its broadcast unit TV5 signed on Tuesday, February 6, a collaboration agreement with Nine Media Corp. to launch RPTV - a new free-to-air channel offering sports and news - using CNN Philippines' airtime. MediaQuest is owned by business tycoon Manny Pangilinan, whose other businesses include Meralco, PLDT, and Smart Communications, among others.

Nine Media Corp ceased all operations of CNN Philippines on January 31 due to financial losses. It is also one of the owners of RPN9.

According to Philstar Life, RPTV was formerly RPN9 when it was still owned by the government. CNN Philippines started broadcasting on RPN9 in March 2015. The Presidential Communications Office holds a 20 percent minority stake in Radio Philippines Network, while Nine Media has a 34 percent ownership claim.

"This agreement brings together TV5 and MediaQuest's vast library of programs and Nine Media's broadcast network access and nationwide reach," said TV5 President and CEO Guido Zaballero in a statement. Jane Basas, MediaQuest President and CEO, added that the deal rose from the previous agreement in December 2023 that saw good results from the airing of TV5's PBA and EAT Bulaga! on Channel 9 on weekends in January.

RPTV, which debuted on February 1, is accessible through Channel 9 Analog and Channel 19.3 and 19 DTT. It is also available in over 300 cable and satellite providers nationwide and live streaming on the Cignal Play app.

Among the entertainment programs to be aired on RPTV are the noontime show EAT Bulaga!, the live telecast of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and Gilas Pilipinas games. As for news and public service, the morning program Gud Morning Kapatid, Ted Failon and DJ Chacha, and Wanted Sa Radyo featuring Senator Raffy Tulfo will be shown.

Aside from TV5, Pangilinan's MediaQuest Holdings' media interests includes Cignal, Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, Radyo5, One Sports, Sari-Sari Channel, National Broadcasting Corporation, Unitel Straightshooters, and Epik Studios.