Another go at turning around ailing RPN

Barely a month in office, the Philippine government has pushed through crucial changes in the management of its financially-strapped RPN-9 station, while barely touching IBC-13. The government has replaced the entire management of RPN-9. The only casualty at IBC-13 was its former chief, movie and TV personality Boots Anson-Roa. IBC-13's new chairman is Mr Renato Bella, while acting general manager Bob del Rosario is awaiting confirmation as its general manager. Newly-appointed RPN-9 president Lincoln Tan said all nine board members were shown the door, but former station chairman Ruben Torres was retained. As part of the government's privatisation push, Mr Tan must improve RPN-9's precarious financial position and make it an attractive investment asset. "Investors have shown no interest because the company has no substantial assets. What we have are liabilities." Implementing a cost-cutting drive may prove difficult. The station does not have the resources to pay separation benefits to the staff it needs to lay off since payroll accounts for 67 per cent of expenses. "Cash flow is very critical," said Mr Tan. Delays in privatising the station have taken its toll on the network. During former President Joseph Estrada's tenure, the station came close to shutting operations when it failed to generate enough revenue to continue broadcasting operations. The last potential buyer to express an interest in the station was PLDT, which eventually turned its attention to GMA.

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