Southern Broadcasting Network
Southern Broadcasting Network, Inc. (SBN) is a Filipino media company authorized to operate commercial radio and television broadcasting stations nationwide.[1]
Originating from Davao, SBN pioneered ultra-high frequency (UHF) commercial television in Metro Manila by launching DWCP-TV Channel 21 on May 30, 1992, initially branded as World TV 21, alongside other early UHF entrants like Channel 23.[2]
The network received a 25-year legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 8147 in 1995, which was extended for another 25 years via Republic Act No. 11354 in 2019.[1][3]
Since 2008, SBN has operated as a subsidiary of Solar Entertainment Corporation, providing broadcast facilities for entertainment and news channels including ETC, a lifestyle network, and Talk TV, a joint venture focused on current affairs programming.[4][5]
Headquartered in Mandaluyong, SBN's stations deliver a mix of local and imported content, contributing to the diversification of Philippine free-to-air television beyond VHF dominance.[2]
Overview
Founding and Corporate Identity
The Southern Broadcasting Network (SBN) commenced television broadcasting operations in 1992, launching Channel 21 (DWCP-TV) in Metro Manila as the Philippines' first local ultra-high frequency (UHF) station. Initially branded as World TV 21, it aired global-oriented programming sourced from international content providers, marking an early venture into UHF technology amid the dominance of VHF networks. Headquartered in Davao City, SBN expanded its reach to serve southern regions while establishing a presence in the capital.[2] Southern Broadcasting Network, Inc. received its legislative franchise on September 7, 1995, through Republic Act No. 8147, authorizing the construction, maintenance, and operation of commercial radio and television stations nationwide for 25 years. This franchise was renewed for another 25 years under Republic Act No. 11354 in 2019. As a subsidiary of Solar Entertainment Corporation—owned by the Tieng brothers (Wilson, William, and Willy Y. Tieng)—SBN functions as the primary broadcast arm for Solar's channels, emphasizing entertainment, sports, and news content distribution across the Philippines.[1][3][6]Current Status and Role in Philippine Media
Southern Broadcasting Network, Inc. (SBN) operates as the broadcasting subsidiary of Solar Entertainment Corporation, managing free-to-air television transmission primarily through its flagship UHF station DWCP-DTV on Channel 21 in Metro Manila. This station airs SolarFlix, which delivers entertainment programming including dubbed Turkish dramas, Latin American telenovelas, and classic films, typically from 8:00 a.m. to midnight on digital terrestrial television. SBN's franchise, originally granted under Republic Act No. 8147, was renewed for an additional 25 years effective July 25, 2019, via Republic Act No. 11354, permitting the construction, maintenance, and operation of commercial radio and television stations across the Philippines subject to National Telecommunications Commission oversight.[7][8] In the broader Philippine media ecosystem, SBN fulfills a specialized function by enabling Solar Entertainment's distribution of niche content via terrestrial UHF and blocktime arrangements, rather than pursuing mass-market dominance akin to major networks like GMA, ABS-CBN, or TV5. SolarFlix targets young adult demographics with lifestyle and imported series, supplementing the limited free-to-air options post-regulatory changes affecting larger broadcasters. This role supports media pluralism by introducing international formats adapted for local audiences, though SBN's reach remains constrained to urban areas and digital platforms without extensive provincial affiliates. As of 2025, operations emphasize content aggregation and partnerships to sustain viability amid streaming competition.[8]