Broadcast giant ABS-CBN, which has been strengthening its digital initiatives lately as preparation for the possible non-renewal of its congressional franchise, has launched a separate mobile app for its news content.
The app, which is now available for free on Android and iOS phones, features alerts whenever there is breaking news or a big news event is being live-streamed via the app.
It also allows offers audio streaming of DZMM Radyo Patrol, while news from ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), DZMM, ABS-CBN Regional, news.abs-cbn.com, and Patrol.ph, are also accessible.
According to ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs head Ging Reyes, the launch of the ABS-CBN News App is part of the organization’s evolution to suit the needs of an increasingly digital audience.
“We want to give our diverse audiences the flexibility to get the news exactly the way they want it and be in the know about the things that they are concerned about. We want to empower them with credible news and information so that they may be more involved in issues in our society and nation,” she said.
The ABS-CBN News App offers a personalized news feed where users can customize and choose topics relevant to them — whether on current affairs, business, sports, entertainment, or lifestyle.
Filipinos who prefer getting their news in video form can opt for the video feed, which features the content from ABS-CBN News’ YouTube channel, while those who want to save their data usage can opt for the app’s Lite Mode that features all-text news.
As a new tool for ABS-CBN News to fight the spread of fake news online, the app also enables users to share relevant and vetted articles to family, friends, and colleagues. Those who are busy can also save items for later reading or viewing during their free time, even while offline.
Reyes added that the app will also have a “Report” feature soon, where vigilant and “woke” Filipinos can send tips, photos, or videos of anything newsworthy in their communities.
Before the launch of the app, ABS-CBN News has made headway in its digital transformation, finding new ways to reach and engage its audiences and harnessing technology to fight fake news. Its digital initiatives are also seen as a buffer against the threat of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte that he will oppose the renewal of its franchise.
Currently, ABS-CBN News has the biggest reach online among local news organizations with over 17 million followers on Facebook, 6.2 million followers on Twitter, and 6.6 million subscribers on YouTube.
The ABS-CBN News website (news.abs-cbn.com) is also one of the top websites in the country. ABS-CBN News also recently launched NXT — informative videos that explain complex issues and phenomenon through well-researched videos for the digital audience.
