END of an era.
On Thursday, the sports arm of the embattled media network ABS-CBN announced that it would cease operations — part of a company-wide series of layoffs to stem its financial losses.
Sports head Dino Laurena confirmed the news on his personal Facebook account today.
The media network has been off the air since its franchise expired last May 4. Just last week, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises junked ABS-CBN’s bid to renew its franchise.
“ABS-CBN is now forced to cease the operations of some of its businesses and implement a retrenchment program covering ABS-CBN and its subsidiaries effective end of business day on 31 August 2020,” said the company in a statement released yesterday.
It added: “We are doing all we can to mitigate the pain that will be felt by those affected, including paying out separation and retirement benefits and providing job placement programs.”
Celebs, athletes, and journalists took to social media to air their sadness at the news.
Alyssa Valdez, volleyball player
Dennise Lazaro, volleyball player
Gretchen Ho, host, former volleyball player
Tin Gamboa, sports radio host
Migs Bustos, ABS-CBN Sports+Action host
Denice Dinsay, former UAAP courtside reporter
Moira Dela Torre, singer
Senator Joel Villanueva
Ayel Estrañero, UP Fighting Maroons -women’s volleyball
Bob Novales, voice actor
Karen Davila, veteran journalist
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