(From left) Pia Hontiveros, Pinky Webb, Rico Hizon, Christine Jacob-Sandejas. Images: From their respective Instagram accounts
Broadcast journalists Pia Hontiveros, Pinky Webb, Rico Hizon, and Christine Jacob-Sandejas expressed their heartfelt gratitude to viewers as CNN Philippines announces it is shutting down operations on Jan. 31 after nearly nine years.
The news organization announced it would “discontinue operations on all media platforms” earlier this week, citing financial losses of more than P5 billion. About 300 employees will be affected after its closure, per reports.
On Instagram, Hontiveros shared glimpses of the newsroom’s final day in its headquarters at the Worldwide Corporate Center in Mandaluyong. The opening billboard of her show “Politics as Usual” was also included in the post.
“Maraming salamat sa panonood. Karangalan po namin ang maglingkod sa inyo (Thank you very much for watching. It was an honor to serve you),” she wrote.
Webb, meanwhile, shared photos of herself holding hands and hugging Hontiveros on Instagram. “My debate partner. I will miss you,” she wrote.
She also shared a video of the news organization’s staff greeting viewers for the last time in a separate post.
For his part, Hizon bid farewell to the network in a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying being part of CNN Philippines “has been a privilege” and a “fulfilling” experience for him.
“The collaborative spirit has been a driving force in making every show of the award-winning ‘The Final Word’ and ‘The Exchange’ a fulfilling experience and I carry with me the invaluable lessons and friendships that we have forged through the years,” he said.
“As CNN Philippines signs off, please stay in touch, and let’s not make this a ‘goodbye’ but [a] ‘see you later.’ Wishing you all continued success and looking forward to our paths crossing once again in the future,” he continued.
On the other hand, Sandejas is thankful for “all the love” as her show “New Day” was the last show to be aired on the network.
“We were the last show to air on CNN PH. Thank you for all the love. It was truly an unforgettable journey. Looking forward to a ‘New Day,’” she wrote on Instagram.
Reports of CNN Philippines’ shutdown floated among journalism circles on Jan. 27 after its local franchise holder decided to end its operations due to financial losses. The network confirmed its shutdown days later.
Under a license agreement with Nine Media Corp., the network made its first appearance on the airwaves in March 2015 under the frequency of RPN 9. The frequency will be under government control following its closure.