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.
