PBN Bicol
Encyclopedia
PBN Broadcasting Network, Inc., is a Bicolano media network that consists of three commercial AM stations, two FM stations and two television stations. PBN Bicol is currently an affiliated by Associated Broadcasting Company (TV5)
.
Established by Jorge Bayona in 1958 when the people of Legazpi City
the province of Albay
had never heard of radio, except from faint broadcast signals from Metro Manila stations, PBN pioneered the broadcast industry in the Bicol region by operating the first “cable radio station, “Radyo Balagon”, under the banner of Bicol Wire Broadcasting System (BWBS), the parent company of what PBN Broadcasting Network, Inc. is today.
. With the continuous increase of subscribers, its area of coverage was expanded to the 1st district of Albay via a cable-relay station in the city of Tabaco.
With the success of Bicol Wire Broadcasting System (BWBS), and although technology was still on its infancy in the 60’s, Bicol Wire Broadcasting System evolved into People’s Broadcasting System (PBS) with the establishment in 1960 of DZGB-AM, the pioneer commercial radio station in Legaspi. For over 40 years, DZGB-AM reigns on top of delivering news, information, live special events coverage, public affairs programs and entertainment to the Bicolanos. DZGB-AM is already an institution to speak of. No wonder it was awarded the “BEST PROVINCIAL AM STATION NATIONWIDE” by the prestigious KBP Golden Dove Awards for Radio & Television in 2000.
DZGB proved to be the first string of AM stations. Subsequently, a sister station purely dedicated to news and music was opened and named DZGM, the first AM station to adopt an FM programming of less talk, more music. On June 24, 1970, DZMD-AM was inaugurated in Daet, Camarines Norte
. Two years later, another station, DZMS-AM started broadcasting in the Province of Sorsogon
. The household name of People’s Broadcasting System became People’s Broadcasting Network (PBN) to reflect its founder’s intent to serve its fellow Bicolanos regionwide.
The declaration of Martial Law on September 21, 1972 was the darkest moment in broadcast history. All radio and TV stations nationwide were shut down and PBN was among the casualties. However, PBN’s status as the most credible network in the Bicol Region was affirmed. DZGB Legazpi was immediately allowed to resume its broadcast operation one day after the shut down order, followed by DZMD Daet, Camarines Norte two days later and DZMS Sorsogon after a week.
In 1987, 97.1 DWGB-FM Legazpi aired its maiden broadcast. Barely six months after, it made history when it dominated the local surveys as the most listened to FM station in the area. PBN was on the move. It was not long before everyone realized that the momentum created by these turn of events would prove unstoppable.
With the advent of the 90’s, the network began to consider a move to the ultimate medium: television Realizing the need for a national network with a strong programming capability, PBN entered into and became an affiliate of ABC 5 (now TV5
).On March 3, 1995, PBN’s dream of operating its own TV station became a reality. Its local TV shows took Naga City by storm, of which other giants networks found worthy competitor. Inspired by the huge success of DWGB-FM in Legazpi City, PBN decided to open another FM station in a more competitive market- Naga, on July 3, 1995. With the establishment of PBN TV 5 in Naga, it was just a matter of time before the 2nd TV Station was opened. On June 1995, PBN TV 6 was born in Legaspi. On the same year, People’s Broadcasting Network has changed its corporate name to PBN Broadcasting Network, Inc. with three (3) AM stations, two (2) FM stations and two (2) television stations strategically positioned in the key cities and provinces in the region that practically covers the entire Bicolandia.
Until today, PBN is focusing its vision of being responsive to the needs of its fellow Bicolanos - a network that achieves gains with honor and dignity.
-And selected cable TV stations in Bicol Region.
Associated Broadcasting Company
The Associated Broadcasting Company, Inc is a television network in the Philippines, with main broadcast facilities and transmitter located at 762 Quirino Highway, San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City. The network was previously known as the , Associated Broadcasting Company remains the legal...
.
Established by Jorge Bayona in 1958 when the people of Legazpi City
Legazpi City
The City of Legazpi is a first class city and capital of the province of Albay, Philippines. With 179,481 inhabitants according to the 2007 census, it is the largest city in the Bicol Region in terms of population, though not in land area...
the province of Albay
Albay
Albay is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Legazpi City and the province borders Camarines Sur to the north and Sorsogon to the south. Also to the northeast is Lagonoy Gulf....
had never heard of radio, except from faint broadcast signals from Metro Manila stations, PBN pioneered the broadcast industry in the Bicol region by operating the first “cable radio station, “Radyo Balagon”, under the banner of Bicol Wire Broadcasting System (BWBS), the parent company of what PBN Broadcasting Network, Inc. is today.
History
At the height of its popularity, "Radyo Balagon" as it was fondly called by its subscribers, initially served 3,000 households in Legaspi and the neighboring town of DaragaDaraga, Albay
Daraga is a 1st class municipality in the province of Albay, Philippines.According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 110,625 people in 20,082 households.-History:February 1, 1814 was Mayon's deadliest eruption....
. With the continuous increase of subscribers, its area of coverage was expanded to the 1st district of Albay via a cable-relay station in the city of Tabaco.
With the success of Bicol Wire Broadcasting System (BWBS), and although technology was still on its infancy in the 60’s, Bicol Wire Broadcasting System evolved into People’s Broadcasting System (PBS) with the establishment in 1960 of DZGB-AM, the pioneer commercial radio station in Legaspi. For over 40 years, DZGB-AM reigns on top of delivering news, information, live special events coverage, public affairs programs and entertainment to the Bicolanos. DZGB-AM is already an institution to speak of. No wonder it was awarded the “BEST PROVINCIAL AM STATION NATIONWIDE” by the prestigious KBP Golden Dove Awards for Radio & Television in 2000.
DZGB proved to be the first string of AM stations. Subsequently, a sister station purely dedicated to news and music was opened and named DZGM, the first AM station to adopt an FM programming of less talk, more music. On June 24, 1970, DZMD-AM was inaugurated in Daet, Camarines Norte
Daet, Camarines Norte
Daet, also known as the "Gateway to Bicolandia". A 1st class municipality in the province of Camarines Norte, Philippines. It is the capital municipality of Camarines Norte. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 94,184 or 18.33% of Camarines Norte's population. The current mayor of...
. Two years later, another station, DZMS-AM started broadcasting in the Province of Sorsogon
Sorsogon
Sorsogon is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region; it is the southernmost province in Luzon and is subdivided into fourteen municipalities and one city. Its capital is Sorsogon City and borders the province of Albay to the north...
. The household name of People’s Broadcasting System became People’s Broadcasting Network (PBN) to reflect its founder’s intent to serve its fellow Bicolanos regionwide.
The declaration of Martial Law on September 21, 1972 was the darkest moment in broadcast history. All radio and TV stations nationwide were shut down and PBN was among the casualties. However, PBN’s status as the most credible network in the Bicol Region was affirmed. DZGB Legazpi was immediately allowed to resume its broadcast operation one day after the shut down order, followed by DZMD Daet, Camarines Norte two days later and DZMS Sorsogon after a week.
In 1987, 97.1 DWGB-FM Legazpi aired its maiden broadcast. Barely six months after, it made history when it dominated the local surveys as the most listened to FM station in the area. PBN was on the move. It was not long before everyone realized that the momentum created by these turn of events would prove unstoppable.
With the advent of the 90’s, the network began to consider a move to the ultimate medium: television Realizing the need for a national network with a strong programming capability, PBN entered into and became an affiliate of ABC 5 (now TV5
Associated Broadcasting Company
The Associated Broadcasting Company, Inc is a television network in the Philippines, with main broadcast facilities and transmitter located at 762 Quirino Highway, San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City. The network was previously known as the , Associated Broadcasting Company remains the legal...
).On March 3, 1995, PBN’s dream of operating its own TV station became a reality. Its local TV shows took Naga City by storm, of which other giants networks found worthy competitor. Inspired by the huge success of DWGB-FM in Legazpi City, PBN decided to open another FM station in a more competitive market- Naga, on July 3, 1995. With the establishment of PBN TV 5 in Naga, it was just a matter of time before the 2nd TV Station was opened. On June 1995, PBN TV 6 was born in Legaspi. On the same year, People’s Broadcasting Network has changed its corporate name to PBN Broadcasting Network, Inc. with three (3) AM stations, two (2) FM stations and two (2) television stations strategically positioned in the key cities and provinces in the region that practically covers the entire Bicolandia.
Until today, PBN is focusing its vision of being responsive to the needs of its fellow Bicolanos - a network that achieves gains with honor and dignity.
PBN TV Stations
| Branding | Callsign | Ch. # | Power kW | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBN TV 5 Naga | DZGB-TV DZGB-TV DZGB-TV, channel 5, is the flagship station of Philippine television network PBN Broadcasting Network. Its studios are located at the Romero Bldg., Peñafrancia Avenue, Naga City, Camarines Sur 4400... |
TV-5 | 10,000 watts | Naga |
| PBN TV 6 Legazpi | DWGB-TV | TV-6 | 1,000 watts | Legazpi Legazpi City The City of Legazpi is a first class city and capital of the province of Albay, Philippines. With 179,481 inhabitants according to the 2007 census, it is the largest city in the Bicol Region in terms of population, though not in land area... |
-And selected cable TV stations in Bicol Region.
AM Stations
| Branding | Callsign | Frequency | Power (kW) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DZMD 1161 Daet | DZMD | 1161 kHz | 5,000 watts | Daet, Camarines Norte Daet, Camarines Norte Daet, also known as the "Gateway to Bicolandia". A 1st class municipality in the province of Camarines Norte, Philippines. It is the capital municipality of Camarines Norte. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 94,184 or 18.33% of Camarines Norte's population. The current mayor of... |
| DZGB 729 Legaspi | DZGB | 729 kHz | 10,000 watts | Legaspi |
| DZMS 1251 Sorsogon | DZMS | 1251 kHz | 5,000 watts | Sorsogon Sorsogon City Sorsogon City is a 2nd class city in Sorsogon, Philippines. It is the capital city of the province of Sorsogon The city is located at southernmost tip province of Luzon. This city was formed by merging the Bacon and Sorsogon towns. The city serves a trans-shipment point from the Visayas and... |
PBN FM stations
| Branding | Callsign | Frequency | Power (kW) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talk and News FM | DZOK-FM | 97.5 MHz | 10,000 watts | Naga |
| OK FM Legaspi OK FM Legaspi 97.1 OKFM is a Legaspi City, Philippine-based radio station with a Top 40 musical format. It is owned by PBN Broadcasting Network Incorporated... |
DWGB-FM | 97.1 MHz | 5,000 watts | Legaspi |