ABS-CBN on Thursday stopped airing a Chinese newscast on its cable channel, ANC, following backlash on social media.
The official Twitter of iWant, ABS-CBN's streaming platform, confirmed the news that Chinatown News would stop airing on ANC.
The Lopez-owned broadcaster had said Chinatown News was meant to deliver hyperlocal news that is aimed at the Filipino-Chinese community. ABS-CBN News head Ging Reyes said the network retained "editorial control" on the content and ensured accuracy of translations.
The program was delivered in three languages: Mandarin, English and Filipino.
ANC started carrying Chinatown News this week just days after ABS-CBN reporter Chiara Zambrano and her team were chased by a Chinese ship, while on assignment in the West Philippine Sea.
WHAT WENT BEFORE:
ABS-CBN Airs Chinese Newscast on ANC
LOOK: Chinese Fishermen Take Giant Clams Off Philippine Islands
In 'Utmost Displeasure', Manila Summons Chinese Ambassador
Early Thursday, ABS-CBN, Filipino-Chinese and Mandarin were trending on Twitter. Some posts asked how the network could continue standing for press freedom while airing propaganda material.
ABS-CBN's flagship free TV business has been off the air since May last year, when Congress denied its application for a franchise renewal, despite refuting all allegations hurled against it.
MORE ON ABS-CBN:
Duterte Says He 'Will Not Allow' NTC to Grant Permit to ABS-CBN
Why Star Maker Johnny Manahan Left ABS-CBN
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