ABS-CBN launches new sports channel
MANILA (UPDATED) – ABS-CBN on Thursday launched its newest channel that will
feature action-packed local and international sporting events.
“ABS-CBN Sports+Action” will replace Studio23 and continue its
coverage of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines
(UAAP), the Azkals, Top Rank fights, and Pinoy Pride bouts.
It will also continue the special coverage of major
international sporting events like the National Basketball
Association (NBA), the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the
FIFA World Cup.
ABS-CBN Sports+Action will work alongside
the network’s cable TV, pay-per-view and digital platforms to
create a unique and engaging sports hub for Filipino sports
fans.
“Today, it is with enough confidence that we step up to the
plate and introduce what we hope to be the best free channel
dedicated to fueling the Filipino spirit,” said ABS-CBN Narrowcast head March Ventosa during the
announcement of the channel’s reboot at the Glorietta 1 in
Ayala.
“Sports play and important role in the life of the Filipinos.
They are source of metaphors to become the best you can be in
whatever endeavor for overcoming trials. We will give this channel
our best shot.”
ABS-CBN Integrated Sports head Dino
Laurena said it’s high time that the country’s biggest broadcast
network establishes a free TV channel that will cater mainly to
sports.
“We felt that panahon na na mag-establish kami ng bahay ng
sports, kasi ABS-CBN has always been front
running in sports content so we decided that it’s time,” he
said.
“Natataon lang na if there’s ABS-CBN
Channel 2 for entertainment, we might as well have ABS-CBN sports as separate free television. This is
really for the fans and for the audience.”
The channel will not only offer the best in sports, but will
also keep its viewers up-to-date with current events via “News+”
with Anthony Taberna, who will break down the day’s biggest issues,
and “The Score” a 15-minute daily sports show to be hosted by TJ
Manotoc.
Taberna said they will offer something new through “News+”.
“Dito po ay nakikipag-kwentuhan kami, kakausapin namin ang mga
tao na gusting malaman ang balita. Kasi napapansin natin sa news
programs sa mainstream at sa mga ibang networks ay kung ano ang
balita noong alas-6 ng gabi, iyun din ang sa hatinggabi. Sa amin po
ay iba, ito po ay magiging ‘conversational’ news program,” he
said.
“For example, mayroong krimen na nangyari, hindi lang po naming
ilalahad ang krimen kundi tuturuan namin ang mga manonood kung
paanong maiiwasan ang mga krimen na ito. Magbibigay kami ng dagdag
kaalaman. Ito po iyung News +,” he added.
Joining Taberna in the news program is sexy actress Jef Gaitan
of the Banana Split fame who will deliver showbiz news.
Manotoc, meanwhile, said they will be providing sports updates
not usually covered by main primetime newscast.
“Dito po sa ABS-CBN Sports+Action,
mabibiigyan tayo ng daily, new program na ‘The Score.’ Meron po
tayong araw-araw na debate sa program. We will talk about the
hottest topic sa sports, meron po kaming mga guest na i-invite sa
show, hindi po para i-interview kundi para mag-debate po kami,” he
said.
Joining Manotoc will be segment hosts Gretchen Ho, former Ateneo
star volleyball player; former beauty queen Tina Marasigan; and
actor-comedian Boom Labrusca.
Manotoc will continue to work with Boom Gonzalez on UAAP games and NBA games, which
exclusively air on free TV via ABS-CBN Sports
+ Action.
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Sports+Action will also
relive memorable films of “The King of Philippine Movies” Fernando
Poe Jr., aside from showing the local debut of explosive new series
like “The Ultimate Fighter: China” and “Zero Hours.”
ABS-CBNnews.com is the news website of
ABS-CBN Corp.
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