ABS-CBN released a statement after its YouTube channels ABS-CBN News and the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) were inaccessible as of Tuesday morning, November 3.
“We are aware of the problem of accessing ABS-CBN News channels on YouTube. We are currently investigating this and working closely with YouTube to resolve the problem. In the meantime, you can catch our live streams and news reports on the TeleRadyo Channel. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the network said.
An error message appeared on previously posted videos at ABS-CBN Youtube channels reads: “Video unavailable. This video is no longer available because the YouTube account associated with this video has been terminated.”
“This page isn’t available. Sorry about that. Try searching for something else,” it also said when checked.
YouTube said if a channel or account is terminated, a user “may be unable to use, own, or create any other YouTube channels/accounts.”
“When a channel is terminated, the channel owner gets an email explaining the reason for the termination,” it added.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has removed the assigned frequencies or signals and channels from ABS-CBN Corporation, two months after failing to get another franchise in the House of Representatives.
On July 10, House Committee on Legislative Franchises voted to deny the franchise renewal application of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation.
ABS-CBN Youtube channels ‘no longer available’
Since the shutdown, ABS-CBN has shifted in strengthening its digital platforms such as streaming on Youtube and Facebook.
ABS-CBN then found a new home with ZOE Broadcasting Network. However, a lawmaker still wants an investigation on the network’s comeback to free TV.
New House Minority Leader Joseph Stephen Paduano said the agreement could have legal and tax issues after the ABS-CBN show returned to free TV last October 10.
“There is a legal issue about it. Let’s just see what will happen there,” the Abang Lingkod party-list representative told reporters in a virtual press conference last Wednesday.
Paduano, who leads a 23-member bloc in the House of Representatives, also hinted at another congressional inquiry against ABS-CBN.
“Let the NTC do the study or investigation on that matter. Then NTC will recommend it to Congress, to the committee on franchise, and the committee will act on it. We also have the responsibility and the right to investigate it,” he said, citing Congress’ oversight function.