ABS-CBN News’ YouTube account ‘terminated’; investigation underway

MANILA, Philippines — Media giant ABS-CBN is now investigating the “termination” of its news platform on Youtube.

A look at the Youtube account of ABS-CBN News shows that the “account has been terminated for a violation of YouTube’s Terms of Service.” It is, however, unclear what these supposed violations are.

ABS-CBN has confirmed the issue in accessing the Youtube account, just as several netizens ask about what happened to the online platform.

“We are aware of the problem of accessing ABS-CBN News channels on YouTube. We are currently investigating this and working closely with YouTube to resolve the problem,” ABS-CBN said in a statement.

“In the meantime, you can catch our livestreams and news reports on the TeleRadyo Channel. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the media giant added.

Some netizens questioned the shutdown and sought an explanation from YouTube.

“We rely on ABS-CBN News on Youtube and other social media sites for weather reports, especially now that another Typhoon is approaching. And now they turned down the account. Okay Filipinos we are on our own now. Keep safe and let’s double our efforts to be informed in everything,” one netizen said.

“YouTube should explain why ABS-CBN has been taken down. What was the violation as indicated in the page?” another netizen said.

In July, 70 lawmakers in the House of Representatives’ legislative franchises committee voted against granting ABS-CBN a new franchise.

The network has been off the air since early May after its television and radio operations nationwide were ordered shut following the expiration of its 25-year franchise.

EDV