Media Ownership

Most Philippine media companies are in the shadow of two giant broadcast networks: ABS-CBN Corporation and GMA Network Incorporated. The two dominate the Philippine media industry both in terms of economic market power and audience reach, which give them major potential to shape public opinion.

And who owns those companies?

When it comes to shedding light on the individuals that run media through their companies, one thing becomes apparent: despite a high number of existing media outlets and despite being described as one of the most freewheeling media systems in the region, Philippine media continue to be owned by and to depend on the economic and political elite. Five families in the Forbes List of 2016 Philippines’ Richest are in media, four of whom made their money predominantly from media.