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{{short description|Philippine television network}}
{{pp-sock|small=yes}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=September 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2013}}
{{Infobox company |
| name           = Radio Philippines Network
| logo           = RPN-TV logo.svg
| logo_size      = 200px
| logo_caption   = Logo used 1982 - 1989 and again since 1996
| type           = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| foundation     = {{Start date and age|1960|06|29|mf=yes}}<ref name="rpnaboutus">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://rpnradio.com/about-us/ |publisher=Radio Philippines Network |access-date=29 July 2020}}</ref>
| location       = RPN Compound, #97 Panay Avenue, Brgy. South Triangle, [[Quezon City]], [[Metro Manila]], [[Philippines]]<ref name="rpnaboutus" />
| industry       = [[Broadcast]] [[Television]] and [[Radio network]]
| key_people     = {{Plainlist|
* Benjamin Ramos (president and CEO)
* D. Edgard A. Cabangon (chairman of the board)
}}
| predecessor    = Kanlaon Broadcasting System (1968–1975) 
| revenue        = 
| net_income     =  
| num_employees  = 
| owner          = {{Plainlist|
* [[Nine Media Corporation]]<ref name="ALC-RPN">{{cite news |url=https://business.inquirer.net/177106/cabangon-chua-group-set-to-take-over-rpn-9 |title=Cabangon-Chua group set to take over RPN-9 |date=August 21, 2014 |access-date=August 21, 2014}}</ref> (34%)
* Far East Managers and Investors (32%)
* Government of the Philippines <small>([[Presidential Communications Group|Presidential Communications Office]])</small> (20%)
* Private stock (14%)
}}
|  homepage      = {{URL|www.rpnradio.com}}
}}

{{Infobox broadcasting network
| network_name   = Radio Philippines Network
| network_logo   = RPN-TV logo.svg
| caption        =
| country        = [[Philippines]]
| network_type   = [[Terrestrial television|Broadcast]] [[Commercial television|commercial]] [[Radio network|radio]] and [[television network]]
| available      = National
| area           = [[Philippines]]
| owner          = {{Plainlist|
* [[Nine Media Corporation]]<ref name="ALC-RPN">{{cite news |url=https://business.inquirer.net/177106/cabangon-chua-group-set-to-take-over-rpn-9 |title=Cabangon-Chua group set to take over RPN-9 |date=August 21, 2014 |access-date=August 21, 2014}}</ref> (34%)
* Government of the Philippines <small>([[Presidential Communications Group|Presidential Communications Office]])</small> (20%)
* Far East Managers and Investors (32%)
* Private Stock (14%)
}}
| parent         =
| key_people     = {{Plainlist|
* Benjamin Ramos (president and CEO)
* D. Edgard A. Cabangon (chairman of the board)
}}
| founded        = {{start date and age|1960|06|29|mf=yes}}<ref name="rpnaboutus" />
| founder        = [[James Lindenberg]]
| launch_date    = June 19, 1960 (radio) <br/> October 15, 1969 (television)
| Picture format = [[1080i]] ([[HDTV]])
| past_names     = {{Plainlist|
* Kanlaon Broadcasting System<br />{{small|(1960–1975)}}
* New Vision 9<br />{{small|(1989–1994)}}
}}
| website        = {{URL|www.rpnradio.com}}
| affiliation    = {{Plainlist|
* [[C/S]] (Crime/Suspense) <br />{{small|(2008)}}
* [[C/S 9]]<br />{{small|(2008&ndash;2009)}}
* [[Solar TV]]<br />{{small|(2009–2011)}}
* [[ETC (Philippine TV network)|ETC]]<br />{{small|(2011–2013)}}
* [[Solar News Channel]]<br />{{small|(2013–2014)}}
* [[9TV]]<br />{{small|(2014&ndash;2015)}}
* [[CNN Philippines]]<br />{{small|(2015–2024)}}
* [[RPTV (TV channel)|RPTV]]<br />{{small|(2024–present)}}
}}
| language     =
}}

'''Radio Philippines Network, Inc. (RPN)''' is a Philippine [[Media of the Philippines|television and radio company]] based in [[Quezon City]]. It is currently owned through majority share by [[Nine Media Corporation]] of the ALC Group of Companies; along with other stakeholders [[Presidential Communications Group|Presidential Communications Office]] (PCO) and Far East Managers and Investors Inc. (owned by the family of [[Roberto Benedicto]]), and private sector. The network's main offices and [[transmitter]] is located at Panay Avenue, Brgy. South Triangle also in [[Quezon City]]. Founded by James Lindenberg and prior to its privatization, it was the sister station of current government owned and controlled [[Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation]] and formerly an attached agency of the now-PCO, despite having 20% minority stake in ownership.

Radio Philippines Network operates television stations with airtime being leased by its parent Nine Media and content provider [[TV5 Network]], serving as primary broadcasters of '''[[RPTV (TV channel)|RPTV]]'''. RPN also operates regional AM radio stations under the brand '''Radyo Ronda''', serving as partial affiliate of sister station [[DWIZ-AM|DWIZ]] in Metro Manila.

==History==
===As Kanlaon Broadcasting System (1960–1975)===
==== Early years (1960-1972) ====
Radio Philippines Network was founded in February 25, 1960 by [[James Lindenberg]], known as the father of Philippine television, having been credited as the founder of [[ABS-CBN]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news2.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/06/22/20/at-91-atty-jake-almeda-lopez-is-still-fighting-for-abs-cbn-the-media-company-he-helped-shape|title=At 91, Atty. Jake Almeda-Lopez is still fighting for ABS-CBN, the media company he helped shape|publisher=ANCX|date=June 22, 2020|accessdate=February 6, 2024}}</ref><ref name="rpnaboutus" /> RPN was formed as the [[Congress of the Philippines]] approved its franchise in June 19, 1960.<ref>{{cite web |title=Republic Act 2980 |url=https://thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/republic-acts/ra-no-2980.php |date=19 June 1960}}</ref>

RPN started broadcasting as a radio network with its first station DZBI in [[Manila]]. By 1967, RPN had expanded operations with seven radio stations all over the country, namely, DZRR and DZAX in Manila, DZBS in [[Baguio]], DZTG in [[Tuguegarao]], DZRL in [[Laoag]] (later moved to [[Batac]]), DXXX in [[Zamboanga City|Zamboanga]] and DXDX in [[General Santos|Dadiangas]]. Philippine radio veteran Ben Aniceto was the operations director at the time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/03/21/16/abs-cbns-post-edsa-boss-ben-aniceto-passes-away|title=ABS-CBN's post-EDSA boss Ben Aniceto passes away|publisher=[[ABS-CBN News]]|date=March 21, 2016|access-date=March 21, 2016}}</ref>

Lindenburg sold the network to sugar magnate [[Roberto Benedicto]] in the later part of 1960s. Instead of using its franchise name, the network decided to use Kanlaon Broadcasting System as their branding. [[Kanlaon]] is a volcano on the Philippine island of [[Negros Island|Negros]], the hometown of Benedicto. 

The network began broadcasting on television in October 15, 1969, with the launch of [[DZKB-TV|KBS-9]] Manila as the network's flagship TV station.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1970-71-TV-Factbook/TV-Factbook-1970-71.pdf|chapter=International TV Directory|title=Television Factbook|publisher=Television Digest, Inc.|date=1970|via=World Radio History}}</ref> [[DZBS-TV|KBS-12]] Baguio also went on air in the same year.

Properties and funding for KBS network partly came from [[ABS-CBN]] in the form of its old headquarters and studios along Roxas Boulevard and equipment from Toshiba enabling them to broadcast in color. As a result, on its launch it was branded ''Accucolor 9 – an RPN station'' ("Accucolor" is the name of the color technology used) as the first Philippine television network to launch in full color.

In 1970, KBS also acquired a color-ready [[production truck]] (OB van) for the remote broadcasts of major news events and sports coverages (including Olympics). The network also pioneered newscasting on television, as they launched the first ever newspaper-format nightly newscast titled ''[[NewsWatch (Philippine TV series)|NewsWatch]]'', replacing the short-lived ''KBS Eyewitness Reports''. Back then, broadcast hours were limited to late afternoons up to around midnight during Mondays to Saturdays; the channel begins transmissions after midday every Sundays.

In 1971, KBS became firmly established as an all-color television network, consisting of ten full powered provincial stations, strategically situated in Baguio ([[DZBS-TV|KBS-12]]), Laoag ([[DWTE-TV|KBS-2]]), Bicol ([[DWKI-TV|KBS-10]] in [[Iriga]]), Iloilo ([[DYDY-TV|KBS-2]]), Bacolod ([[DYKB-TV|KBS-8]]), Cebu (KBS-9 in [[Mandaue]]), Davao (KBS-4), General Santos (KBS-7) and Butuan (KBS-4) alongside the flagship station ([[DZKB-TV|KBS-9]]) in Manila.

==== Martial law KBS years and ABS-CBN takeover (1972-1975) ====
On September 23, 1972, the KBS television and radio stations and the newspaper publication ''[[Philippines Daily Express]]'', all belonging to the [[Roberto Benedicto]] group, were allowed to operate during the martial law period with the former airing ''[[Wacky Races (1968 TV series)|Wacky Races]]'' and [[Francisco Tatad]]'s reading of [[Proclamation No. 1081]], where most of the media outfits were closed down after the declaration of [[martial law under Ferdinand Marcos|martial law]] with Proclamation No. 1081 by [[Ferdinand Marcos]].

On September 28, 1972, Marcos ordered the takeover of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation and turned over its facilities to KBS, controlled by Benedicto. ABS-CBN's facilities were later transferred from KBS to the government-owned [[Maharlika Broadcasting System]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2021-10-13 |title=The Marcos Regime and the Making of a Subservient Philippine Press: Part I |url=https://hrvvmemcom.gov.ph/the-marcos-regime-and-the-making-of-a-subservient-philippine-press-part-i-2/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Human Rights Violations Victims' Memorial Commission |language=en-US}}</ref> Crony-owned media companies broadcast or published news and entertainment meant to project a positive image for the dictatorship and conceal its abuses.<ref name=":0" />

In 1973, RPN brought the first slow-motion production machine to support the live coverage of the [[Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association|MICAA]] basketball games.<ref>{{cite news|title=RPN 9 to mark 39th year|url=https://news.google.com.ph/newspapers?id=d6EVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WgsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6605%2C937901|newspaper=[[Manila Standard]]|access-date=January 11, 2020|date=June 6, 1996}}</ref> Color production with color-ready equipment would enable the government to invest in RPN for color coverages of national events, as then state network GTV (now [[People's Television Network|PTV]]), which began two years later after the beginning of martial law, was mostly monochrome before its first color broadcasts in 1976. In 1974, the KBS network grew with the opening of more stations in Tuguegarao (KBS-9), Bayombong (KBS-7), Legazpi (KBS-2), Palawan (KBS-5), Roxas (KBS-7), Dumaguete (KBS-5 moved to RPN-8), Tacloban (KBS-5), Zamboanga ([[DXXX-TV|KBS-5]]), Dipolog (KBS-5), Pagadian (KBS-5), Ozamiz (KBS-13), Cagayan de Oro ([[DXKO-TV|KBS-5]]), Surigao (KBS-4) and Cotabato (KBS-10).

===The first Radio Philippines Network (1975–1989)===
====Benedicto ownership (1975–1986)====
In 1975, KBS formally relaunched as RPN, the acronym for its franchise name, Radio Philippines Network (the RPN name was first used in the provincial stations before the RPN brand would later be used for the Manila station as well; the KBS name was also used for other aspects such as KBS Sports until 1986). The network covered special events such as the [[Olympic Games]] (it is also the first sporting coverage to broadcast in full color), [[Thrilla in Manila]] in 1975; and also became the official broadcaster for the [[Miss Universe]] pageant held in Manila in 1974, and the first [[Metro Manila Popular Music Festival|Metropop Song Festival]] and its succeeding editions from 1978. The network also headlined some top-rated programs such as ''[[John en Marsha]]'' (which both the media and academe regarded the show as the paradigm of development communication), ''Flordeluna'' and ''[[Superstar (Philippine TV series)|Superstar]]'' (formerly known as ''The Nora Aunor-Eddie Peregrina Show''). RPN became the birthplace and the first humble abode of the now longest running daytime variety show  ''[[Eat Bulaga!]]'' (premiering in 1979); as well as the longest running game show on Philippine television ''[[Family Kuarta o Kahon]]'' hosted by [[Pepe Pimentel]] (originally aired on [[ABS-CBN]] then [[Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation|BBC-2]]); the latter program had enjoyed its successful 38 year run until it finally pulled the plug during the [[2000|year 2000]]. The network also pioneered the use of computer graphics for their program plugs and station IDs. It also became the only network in the country known for its broadcasts of its easily recognizable digital clock embedded on the lower left part of the screen during the entire broadcast day except for newscasts, commercials, continuity plugs, station ID, and during sign-off. It eventually became the centerpiece of the network's broadcasts for 32 years (starting in 1975), and viewers have been setting their watches and clocks to RPN through the years, until it was abandoned at the end of 2007. After the fire that razed its first studios on June 6, 1973, RPN moved to the Broadcast Plaza (now [[ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center]]) in the same year, and to its current [[Broadcast City]] home in July 1978, alongside sister networks [[Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation]] (BBC) and [[Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation]] (IBC).

RPN also aired [[anime]] programming (making them one of the first to do so in the country) and imported and syndicated programs from the [[United States]]. RPN is the first network to cover the [[Philippine Basketball Association]] games live in 1975 (and 1977), before the broadcasts moved on to BBC in 1976.

On January 15, 1980, RPN began to broadcast primetime programs through its new domestic satellite technology (DOMSAT) in which the 1980s logo resembles a satellite antenna.<ref>Roa, J. N. (September 25, 1982). RPN-9 CEBU: THE LEADER. (M. S. Jr., Ed.) Vistas Weekly, pp. 32–33. Retrieved May 10, 2019.</ref> On May 18, 1982, ''Eat Bulaga!'' was also included to the list of the network's DOMSAT-simulcast programs. This made RPN the first national network to achieve nationwide program simulcasting via satellite in 24 TV stations across the Philippines.

The network also became home to, from 1978 up to the early 1980s, the Super Sentai series (making it the first in the Philippines to do so, becoming a pioneer in broadcasting [[tokusatsu]] and [[sentai]] programs in the country in the process). These made it a reason for the network in 1982 to adopt ''The Leader'' as its official slogan, coupled with its Number 9 and the red corporate logos (the latter which is still the current logo of the network up to this day), due to its massive successes as the nation's number one network. In 1986, after the assumption of office of President [[Corazon Aquino]], the government sequestered Radio Philippines Network for allegedly being part of the [[crony capitalism]] under the Marcos regime. By then, it was the leading network in the Philippines cornering the highest audience share in the entire country. During the live broadcast of Marcos' inauguration from the [[Malacañang Palace]] during the last day of the People Power Revolution, rebels shut down the RPN transmitter in Panay Avenue, and it resumed broadcasts again on March 3, 1986.

====First downfall and sequestration (1986-1989)====
After the [[People Power Revolution]] which ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos and installed [[Corazon Aquino]]  as president in February 1986, the stock and assets of RPN, IBC and BBC were [[sequestration (law)|sequestered]] by the [[Presidential Commission on Good Government]] (PCGG). President [[Corazon Aquino]] awarded BBC's [[DWWX-TV|Channel 2 frequency]] and its affiliates, through an executive order, to [[ABS-CBN Corporation|ABS-CBN]], and RPN's and IBC's assets were turned over to the Government Communications Group and placed under the management of a Board of Administrators tasked to operate and manage its business and affairs subject to the control and supervision of [[Presidential Commission on Good Government]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1986/04/08/executive-order-no-11-s-1986/|title=Executive Order No. 11, series 1986|website=[[Official Gazette (Philippines)|Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines]]|date=April 8, 1986|access-date=July 7, 2020}}</ref>

The period saw a major decline for RPN as its resources became outdated and endured major mismanagement which led to the network either shutting down or selling its stations. From being number 1 in the ratings, RPN's ratings slumped, due to the growth of [[GMA Network|GMA Radio-Television Arts]] and [[People's Television Network|PTV]], and more importantly as a result of ABS-CBN's meteoric rise to the number 1 spot in 1988.

During the post-EDSA Revolution era, RPN launched the first Filipino-created animated series, Ang Panday. By 1989, some of RPN's programming such as ''John en Marsha'' and ''Superstar'' were cancelled, and [[TAPE Inc.]]'s daytime programs ''Eat Bulaga!'', ''[[Agila (TV series)|Agila]]'' and ''[[Coney Reyes on Camera]]'' (a co-production with Coney Reyes' CAN Television) moved under a co-production agreement to ABS-CBN, as they saw the resurgent network as a vital element in the sustaining of the three shows' success. By then, the once-dominant RPN had fallen to 4th place, trailing far behind ABS-CBN and GMA and locked in a losing battle with PTV for 3rd place.

===New Vision 9 (1989–1994)===
In October 8, 1989, RPN was renamed as New Vision 9 to recoup lost audience share in the ratings game of [[Television in the Philippines|Philippine television]] networks. At the same year, New Vision 9 transmitter's effective radiated power was increased to 1 million watts, ensuing clearer and better signal reception in the Greater Luzon Area. The rebrand took place after RPN and Syndicated Media Access Corporation (SMAC) took over the network's management and marketing. The rebranding, although it proved futile in the turnaround of RPN's ratings, did make history for the network as it pioneered 24-hour television broadcasting in the Philippines. During the latter part of the New Vision 9 era, its ratings further suffered at last place in primetime (behind ABS-CBN, GMA, ABC, IBC, and PTV). Worse yet, RPN's nationwide reach suffered as well as its TV network – In 1989 it composed 24 TV stations nationwide (8 originating stations and 16 Relay stations).

By then, RPN not only had to deal with the continued dominance of ABS-CBN and GMA, but also the return of another station shut down during martial law, [[TV5 (Philippine TV network)|ABC]], and the onset of cable and UHF channels which started to eat up the audience shares of the least-watched networks.

===The second Radio Philippines Network (1994–2007)===
====Telenovela dominance, emphasis on world-class primetime programming (1994–2003)====
In 1994, New Vision 9 was renamed back as Radio Philippines Network (RPN) and in the same year, RPN became the second VHF television network in the Philippines to broadcast in [[BTSC|full surround stereo]] (after [[GMA Network]] introduced StereoVision in 1987). Following this, RPN managed to recover in primetime ratings, from being dead last in 1994 to fifth place in 1995, beating PTV (which by then suffered a major blow after losing the rights to one of its top-raters, the PBA games, to IBC). This, along with it being number 3 in daytime ratings, helped RPN to challenge ABC for third place in total day ratings.

In 1996, the network quickly regained its foothold when it began to broadcast a Tagalog dub of the 1994 Mexican [[telenovela]] ''[[Marimar (Mexican telenovela)|Marimar]]'', which turned out to be a phenomenal success, and discombobulating the competition for some time.

The network became the driving force in Tagalog-dubbed foreign programs and movies and made the popular and turnaround its ratings on the evening prime time. Due to the success, the other networks followed and broadcast telenovelas not only from Mexico but also Spanish language telenovelas from the [[United States]], [[Colombia]] (GMA 7's ''[[Yo soy Betty, la fea|Betty La Fea]]''), [[Venezuela]] (GMA 7's ''[[Samantha (telenovela)|Samantha]]'' and ''[[Mis 3 hermanas|All My Love]]'') and [[Argentina]] (GMA 7's ''[[Muñeca Brava|Monica Brava]]'') and eventually even drama series from [[Brazil]] (ABS-CBN's ''[[A Vida da Gente|Ana Manuela]]'') and Asian drama series from [[Taiwan]] (notably ''[[Meteor Garden (2001 TV series)|Meteor Garden]]'') and [[South Korea]] (notably ''[[Successful Story of a Bright Girl|Bright Girl]]''). The network also became the home of the cream of the crop amongst the English language television programs around the world with its strong primetime programming line-up.

This lineup helped RPN maintain its overall 4th place standing in the ratings during the latter half of the 90s, despite later facing competition with UHF stations such as ABS-CBN's [[Studio 23]], which offered more canned programs compared to most VHF stations. In 1999, RPN slid again to fifth place behind ABC, but managed to recover its 4th place standing the following year until early 2003.

====Second downfall (2003–2007)====
In the mid-2000s, a major network war in the ratings game ensued with the battle of the Taiwanese/Korean-language television series (which started through ABS-CBN's broadcast of Taiwanese series ''[[Meteor Garden (2001 TV series)|Meteor Garden]]'') between the two leading networks, ABS-CBN and GMA, causing RPN into decline in the telenovelas battle.

On February 19, 2004, Republic Act No. 9250 signed by President [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]] renewed RPN its congressional franchise for another 25 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2004/02/19/republic-act-no-9250/|title=Republic Act No. 9250|website=Official Gazette|date=February 19, 2004|access-date=August 11, 2020}}</ref> It was also in the same year when the network launched its primetime block, dubbed as The Prime Shift, blocktimed by [[Solar Entertainment Corporation]]. The said programming block lasted until 2006 – largely due to continued financial turmoil – shrunk to 24 TV Stations to just 8 TV Stations by 2007.

===Solar Entertainment era (2007–2014)===
====Blocktime with Solar, as C/S;  C/S9; Solar TV (2007–2011)====
[[File:CS9.jpg|thumb|200px|C/S9 logo used from October 4, 2008 - November 28, 2009]]
On March 11, 2007, after its initial tieup with ''The Prime Shift'' block, RPN announced a partnership with [[Solar Entertainment Corporation]], an operator of a number of cable channels in the country. The company began co-producing new programming for the network, such as a [[Philippines' Next Top Model|local version]] of the ''[[Top Model]]'' franchise. The network underwent management changes on December 24, 2007, as Tonypet Albano (undersecretary and executive director of Malacañang's Office of Political Coalition Affairs and Deputy Spokesperson of [[TEAM Unity (Philippines)|TEAM Unity]], now Vice-Governor of [[Isabela (province)|Isabela]]) was appointed chairman of the network (replacing Education Undersecretary Mona Valisno, incumbent Presidential Assistant for Education). Undersecretary Robert Rivera was appointed director of the board, while the president and chief executive officer became former senator [[Orlando S. Mercado|Orlando "Orly" Mercado]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20070709212017/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=103411  ABS-CBN Interactive, Tonypet Albano is new RPN-9 chief]</ref>

Mercado's first major move was to expand their partnerships with Solar Entertainment. Programming from Solar's cable network [[C/S]] was added to RPN's lineup at the beginning of the new year, and [[Philippine Basketball Association|PBA]] basketball would also return to the network beginning in the 2008–09 season, as part of [[Solar Sports]]' new three-year deal with the league after an expiration of ABC's contract due to the network's rebranding as TV5, because of the blocktime agreement with Malaysian-based [[Media Prima|Media Prima Berhad]] subsidiary MPB Primedia, Inc. and intense bidding war with [[ABS-CBN Corporation|ABS-CBN]].<ref name="PBA">{{cite news |title=SOLAR SPORTS BAGS 3-YEAR PBA TV DEAL |url=http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2133/1/ |publisher=www.pba.ph |date=May 27, 2008 |access-date=May 27, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528062320/http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2133/1/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=May 28, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Zean |last=Macamay |title=Solar gets it |url=http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-05-28&sec=7&aid=61130 |newspaper=[[People's Journal]] |date=May 28, 2008 |access-date=June 2, 2008 }}</ref>

In October 2008, RPN's stations ultimately took on the [[C/S]] name as part of their permanent branding, and rebranded itself as C/S 9. On November 29, 2009, the network re-branded again under the new name [[Solar TV]]. In late 2010, it was revealed that RPN would no longer carry PBA games, due to planned network re-launch to occur in 2011, with more "feminine" programming.<ref>[http://inquirer.net/sports/articles/Solar-drops-PBA-for-feminine-programs.html Solar drops PBA for 'feminine' programs] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210163923/http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Solar-drops-PBA-for-feminine-programs.html |date=December 10, 2010 }}, Musong R. Castillo, [[Philippine Daily Inquirer]], December 8, 2010</ref>

====Privatization; as ETC (2011–2013)====
[[File:ETC-21 Logo.png|150px|thumb|right|ETC logo from March 2, 2011 – November 30, 2013]]
In 2010, the Philippine government began to actively consider privatizing RPN and IBC. Ricardo Abcede, member of the [[Presidential Commission on Good Government]] (PCGG), supported the plans, noting that the government should not need to subsidize three [[state broadcaster]]s when most countries only have one, and could gain a significant profit if they were sold to a major company willing to invest in the stations.<ref>[http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/08/10/10/pcgg-urges-gov%E2%80%99t-fast-track-sale-rpn-9-ibc-13 PCGG urges gov't to fast-track sale of RPN-9, IBC-13] ''ABS-CBNnews.com.'' August 10, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2010.</ref>

In January 2011, reports confirmed that [[Solar Entertainment Corporation]], through [[Solar TV Network]], and Roberto Benedicto's daughter Kitchie Benedicto now owned a 34% minority share in RPN.<ref name=rpn9-donedeal>{{cite news |last=Romualdez |first=Babe |title=Spy Bits: RPN 9 a done deal? |url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=645563&publicationSubCategoryId=66 |newspaper=The Philippine Star |access-date=May 20, 2012}}</ref> Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. also began to hold meetings with the network's employees union to discuss the financial state of RPN as part of the planned privatization.<ref name="abs-cbnnews.com">[http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/20/11/malacanang-sets-dialogue-rpn-9-union Malacanang sets dialogue with RPN-9 union] ''ABS-CBNnews.com.'' February 20, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2011.</ref> On February 22, 2011, RPN's employees filed a [[strike notice]], protesting a rumored shutdown of RPN on February 25, and accusing the government of attempting to privatize RPN without actively consulting its employees.<ref name="abs-cbnnews.com"/><ref>[http://interaksyon.com/article/171/rpn9-workers-file-notice-of-strike RPN 9 workers file notice of strike] ''InterAksyon.com'' February 22, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110223met7.html RPN 9 two labor unions file notice of strike, seek Noy's intervention] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728125636/http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110223met7.html |date=July 28, 2011 }} ''The Daily Tribiune'' February 23, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2011.</ref>

On February 25, 2011, RPN signed off temporarily in preparation for a relaunch as [[ETC (Philippine TV channel)|ETC]] on March 2, 2011.<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/214215/coloma-privatization-of-rpn-9-ibc-13-in-the-works Coloma: Privatization of RPN 9, IBC 13 in the works] ''[[GMA News and Public Affairs|GMANews.TV]]''. January 3, 2011. Retrieved January 3, 2011.</ref><ref name=etc-rpn>{{cite news|last=Lo|first=Ricardo F.|title=ETC on RPN-9 starting March 2|url=http://www.philstar.com/funfare/Article.aspx?articleId=660792&publicationSubCategoryId=70|newspaper=The Philippine Star|access-date=May 20, 2012}}</ref> Additional shares in RPN were sold to Far East Managers and Investors Inc. (FEMI), an organization company affiliated with Ambassador Roberto Benedicto (founder of RPN). The government would retain [[People's Television Network]] to serve as the sole state broadcaster of the country.<ref>[http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=663670&publicationSubCategoryId=66 San Miguel to join bidding for RPN-9, IBC-13] philSTAR.com June 3, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.pep.ph/news/28590/San-Miguel-Corp.-announces-plan-to-bid-for-RPN-9-and-IBC-13 San Miguel Corp. announces plan to bid for RPN-9 and IBC-13] PEP.ph June 3, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2011.</ref> However, due to privatization, RPN is forced to retrench 200 employees and stopping the production of [[NewsWatch (Philippine TV program)|RPN NewsWatch]], its last RPN-produced program, on October 29, 2012, as Solar TV takes over the entire RPN's airtime.<ref>[http://www.rappler.com/business/13491-rpn-9-to-cut-200-jobs,-may-stop-airing-of-newswatch - RPN-9 to cut 200 jobs, may stop airing 'Newswatch'] retrieved August 18, 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/opinion/tv-network-hopeful-ramon-ang - TV network hopeful on Ramon Ang] retrieved August 18, 2014</ref>

====As Solar News Channel (2013–2014)====
In November 2013, it was reported that [[San Miguel Corporation]] President and COO [[Ramon S. Ang]] is reportedly interested in acquiring Solar Television Network.<ref name="owner">{{cite news|title= MVP-Ang rivalry set to spill over into television with San Miguel acquisition of Solar stake
|url= http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/mvp-ang-rivalry-set-to-spill-over-into-television-with-san-miguel-acquisition-of-solar-stake|date= November 9, 2013|access-date= August 18, 2014}}</ref>

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Solar News Channel.jpg|150px|thumb|left|Solar News Channel logo from December 1, 2013 - August 22, 2014{{ffdc|1=Solar News Channel.jpg|log=2016 July 4}}]] -->
On November 30, 2013, [[ETC (Philippine TV channel)|ETC]] returned to [[Southern Broadcasting Network|SBN]] while [[Solar News Channel]] moved to RPN since the following day to widen its nationwide telecast.<ref>[http://etc.com.ph/etconsbn/ ETC MOVES TO SBN-21 STARTING NOVEMBER 30] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501031533/http://etc.com.ph/etconsbn/ |date=May 1, 2014 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151679594302644 Solar News Channel - Expect wider reach and a richer viewing experience] retrieved November 5, 2013</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/12/02/solar-news-on-free-tv-moves-to-channel-9-/|title=Solar News on free TV, moves to channel 9|access-date=April 20, 2015}}</ref> (SBN broadcasts ETC from 2008 to 2011)

===Nine Media era (2014–present)===
====As 9TV (2014–2015)====
[[File:9TV Logo 2014.svg|150px|thumb|right|9TV logo from August 23, 2014 - March 15, 2015]]
On January 3, 2014, RPN and [[Aliw Broadcasting Corporation]] (ABC) signed a memorandum of agreement for the expanded coverage of both the TV and radio networks nationwide. Selected [[DWIZ-AM|DWIZ]] programs will be simulcast on the Radyo Ronda Network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solarnews.ph/news/business/2014/01/03/rpn-aliw-tie-up-to-broaden-broadcasting-reach#.Usbr_s5orDc|title=CNN Philippines|access-date=April 20, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/top-news/25323-dwiz-rpn-forge-pact-to-widen-reach |title=BusinessMirror - DWIZ, RPN forge pact to widen Reach |website=[[BusinessMirror]] |access-date=April 11, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104003609/http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/top-news/25323-dwiz-rpn-forge-pact-to-widen-reach |archive-date=January 4, 2014 }}</ref>

On August 20, 2014, Solar Entertainment Corporation chief Wilson Tieng announced that he ceded his entire share on Solar TV Network, Inc., including its 34% majority share on RPN, to [[Antonio Cabangon Chua]], owner of business daily ''[[BusinessMirror]]'' and Aliw Broadcasting Corporation.<ref>[http://www.interaksyon.com/business/93653/exclusive--businessmirror-owner-acquires-majority-stake-in-rpn9 EXCLUSIVE | BusinessMirror owner acquires majority stake in RPN9] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822083909/http://www.interaksyon.com/business/93653/exclusive--businessmirror-owner-acquires-majority-stake-in-rpn9 |date=August 22, 2014 }} retrieved August 20, 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/08/21/1360003/cabangon-chua-acquires-rpn-9 Cabangon-Chua acquires RPN-9] retrieved August 21, 2014</ref> Tieng sold Solar TV because they are losing money for operations and he will be focusing instead on the remaining television channels he personally owned through [[Solar Entertainment Corporation]].

To reflect the change of ownership, on August 13, 2014, Solar Television Network and RPN announced the rebranding of Solar News Channel into [[9TV]] by August 23, dropping the Solar branding.<ref>[http://www.medianewser.com/2014/07/solar-news-to-be-renamed-news9.html#.U_EmhJuXNIg - Solar News to be renamed News9? (Media Newser Philippines)] retrieved August 18, 2014</ref><ref>[https://fromthetube.wordpress.com/2014/08/04/is-rpn-9-destined-to-return/ - Is RPN-9 Destined to Return?] retrieved August 18, 2014</ref>
9TV retained the news and current affairs programming while expanding its weekend programming to cater more audiences with the launching of ''Kids Weekend'', ''Small Acts, Big Stories'', ''Something to Chew On'' and ''Boys Ride Out''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.9news.ph/lifestyle/2014/08/13/solar-news-channel-turns-into-9tv |title=Solar News Channel turns into 9TV |date=August 13, 2014 |access-date=August 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008155932/http://www.9news.ph/lifestyle/2014/08/13/solar-news-channel-turns-into-9tv |archive-date=October 8, 2014}}</ref>

However, the 9TV branding was done to transition from the Tieng to the Cabangon-Chua ownership. On October 14, 2014, Nine Media Corporation (formerly Solar Television Network) inked a 5-year brand licensing agreement with the [[Turner Broadcasting System]] to rebrand 9TV into [[CNN Philippines]] as the Philippine franchisee of [[CNN]], and the third local CNN channel in Asia (after [[CNN Indonesia]] and India's [[CNN-IBN]]). CNN Philippines was officially launched on March 16, 2015.<ref>[http://www.9news.ph/news/2014/10/14/turner-nine-media-to-launch-cnn-philippines Turner, Nine Media to launch CNN Philippines] retrieved October 14, 2014</ref>

====As CNN Philippines (2015–2024)====
[[File:CNN Philippines Logo.svg|150px|thumb|right|CNN Philippines logo from March 16, 2015 to January 31, 2024]]
On March 16, 2015, 9TV started broadcasting on [[CNN Philippines]] brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/cnn-philippines-starts-broadcasting-today|title=CNN Philippines starts broadcasting today|author=Manila Bulletin|website=[[Manila Bulletin]] |access-date=April 20, 2015}}</ref> CNN Philippines is the seventh rebrand of Radio Philippines Network since its inception as Kanlaon Broadcasting System. It dropped the transitional brand 9TV after seven months of operations under such brand. The new brand reflects the CNN format of news reporting with news from the [[Philippines]].

In 2017, RPN and [[Nine Media Corporation]] acquired its UHF transmitter complex in Crestview Heights Subdivision, Brgy. San Roque, [[Antipolo]], [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]] from [[Progressive Broadcasting Corporation]] to use RPN's [[Digital terrestrial television]] broadcast in [[Metro Manila]] and nearby provinces.

On December 22, 2023, [[TV5 Network]] entered into an acquired agreement with RPN's parent company, Nine Media Corporation to broadcast the longest-running and Number 1 noontime variety show ''[[Eat Bulaga!]]'' and selected games from the [[Philippine Basketball Association]] (PBA) every Saturday and Sunday on CNN Philippines starting January 6, 2024. This marks the return of the two programs previously aired on RPN to strengthen CNN Philippines' weekend line-up.<ref>{{cite web |title=CNN PH to air weekend E.A.T., PBA games starting Jan. 2024 |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2023/12/22/cnn-ph-weekend-airing-pba-s48-eat.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222123511/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2023/12/22/cnn-ph-weekend-airing-pba-s48-eat.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |website=CNN Philippines |access-date=27 December 2023 |date=22 December 2023}}</ref>

However on January 25, 2024, ''Media Newser Philippines'' reported that Nine Media Corporation and CNN agreed to shut down CNN Philippines by mutual agreement due to financial losses as well as poor ratings of the network and loss of advertisers' support. While CNN is still weighing in for its future options, RPN was officially played the looping logo plug of its new branded station, RPTV, after CNN Philippines officially closed its operations around 10 PM.<ref>{{cite web |title=CNN Philippines is shutting down after 9 years |url=https://medianewser.ph/cnn-philippines-is-shutting-down-after-9-years/ |website=medianewser.ph |access-date=25 January 2024 |date=25 January 2024}}</ref>

On January 29, 2024, CNN Philippines confirmed that it has ceased live news productions effective immediately, and to be dissolved entirely on January 31, citing financial losses and to shift its focus on the operations of their sister channel, [[Aliw Channel 23]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://manilastandard.net/business/314410436/nine-media-owner-confirms-cnn-philippines-shutdown.html|title=Nine Media owner confirms CNN Philippines shutdown|publisher=Manila Standard|date=January 26, 2024|accessdate=January 26, 2024|author=Amojelar, Darwin G.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/business/cnn-philippines-shuts-down-january-2024/|title=CNN Philippines shuts down as losses mount|first=Ralf|last=Rivas|work=Rappler|date=January 29, 2024|access-date=January 29, 2024}}</ref>

====As RPTV (2024–present)====
[[File:RPTV (2024).svg|thumb|right|RPTV logo since February 1, 2024]]
On January 31, 2024, Bilyonaryo.com reported that [[TV5 Network]] partners with Nine Media and RPN to carry its selected sports, news and entertainment programming including Eat Bulaga! and PBA games alongside classic RPN shows and programs originally produced by Nine Media under its channel's new branding '''[[RPTV (TV channel)|RPTV]]''', which launched the following day. Selected programs from [[One PH]] and [[DWFM|Radyo5 True FM]] are also airing on RPTV, marking its return to analog free-to-air television after 5 years since [[AksyonTV]]'s closure. On February 6, 2024, the partnership was formalized after [[MediaQuest Holdings]], TV5, and Nine Media signed a content distribution, sales and marketing services agreement for the new channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bilyonaryo.com/2024/01/31/from-cnn-philippines-to-rptv-mvps-tv5-to-provide-content-to-channel-9-possibly-including-a-prime-time-newscast/business/|title=From CNN Philippines to RPTV: MVP’s TV5 to provide content to Channel 9, possibly including a prime time newscast|work=Bilyonaryo|date=January 31, 2024|access-date=February 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= MediaQuest, TV5, Nine Media enter content distribution, sales, marketing agreements to launch RPTV |url=https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/collaboration-mediaquest-tv5-nine-media-enter-content-distribution-sales-marketing-agreements-to-launch-rptv |website=News5 |publisher=News5 |access-date=6 February 2024 |date=6 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=TV5, MediaQuest, at Nine Media Corp., pumirma na ng kontrata para sa RPTV |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1GLg1J-7bc&ab_channel=News5Everywhere |website=YouTube |publisher=News5Everywhere |access-date=6 February 2024 |date=6 February 2024}}</ref>

==Programming==
===RPTV programs===
{{Main|List of RPTV original programming}}
RPTV programming consists of simulcast and reruns of original TV5 and its sister channels programs including ''[[Eat Bulaga!]]'' and ''[[Philippine Basketball Association|PBA]]'' games that was first aired simultaneously on CNN Philippines before its closure on January 31, 2024, as well as ''Ted Failon at DJ Chacha sa Radyo5'' and ''[[Wanted sa Radyo]]''. It was also reported that RPTV plans to produce a standalone primetime newscast known as [[NewsWatch (Philippine TV program)|NewsWatch Plus]] by its former channel's anchors and reruns of some classic shows from RPN's first era.

===Previous RPN-produced programs===
{{Main|List of programs previously broadcast by Radio Philippines Network}}

==RPN stations nationwide==
{{Main|List of Radio Philippines Network affiliate stations}}

==See also==
* [[Nine Media News and Current Affairs]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.rpnradio.com/}}

{{Radio Philippines Network}}
{{Nine Media Corporation}}
{{Aliw Broadcasting Corporation}}
{{Solar Entertainment}}
{{Television in the Philippines}}
{{Radio in the Philippines}}

[[Category:Radio Philippines Network| ]]
[[Category:Television networks in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Philippine radio networks]]
[[Category:Television in Metro Manila]]
[[Category:Mass media companies of the Philippines]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1960]]
[[Category:English-language television stations in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Solar Entertainment Corporation|Nine Media Corporation]]
[[Category:Peabody Award winners]]
[[Category:Mass media companies established in 1960]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1969]]
[[Category:Companies based in Quezon City]]
[[Category:Privately held companies of the Philippines]]
[[Category:Philippine companies established in 1960]]