PBN RADIO BICOL

PBN Broadcasting Network, Inc., is a Bicolano commercial Radio/TV broadcast media network that consists of three AM stations, two FM stations and two Television stations. PBN Bicol is currently affiliated with TV5 Network, Inc. and Nation Broadcasting Corporation (AksyonTV). Established by Jorge D. Bayona in 1958 when the people of Legazpi City and the province of Albay had never heard of radio, except from faint broadcast signals from Metro Manila stations. PBN pioneered the broadcast industry in the Bicol region by operating the first “cable radio station, “Radyo Balagon”, under the banner of Bicol Wire Broadcasting System (BWBS), the parent company of what PBN Broadcasting Network, Inc. is today.

At the height of its popularity, "Radyo Balagon" as it was fondly called by its subscribers, initially served 3,000 households in Legaspi and the neighboring town of Daraga. With the continuous increase of subscribers, its area of coverage was expanded to the 1st district of Albay via a cable-relay station in the city of Tabaco.

With the success of Bicol Wire Broadcasting System (BWBS), and although technology was still on its infancy in the 60’s, Bicol Wire Broadcasting System evolved into People’s Broadcasting System (PBS) with the establishment in 1960 DZGB-AM, the pioneer commercial radio station in Legaspi. For over 40 years, DZGB-AM reigns on top of delivering news, information, live special events coverage, public affairs programs and entertainment to the Bicolanos. DZGB-AM is already an institution to speak of. No wonder it was awarded the “BEST PROVINCIAL AM STATION NATIONWIDE” by the prestigious KBP Golden Dove Awards for Radio & Television in 2000.

DZGB proved to be the first string of AM stations. Subsequently, a sister station purely dedicated to news and music was opened and named DZGM, the first AM station to adopt an FM programming of less talk, more music. On June 24, 1970, DZMD-AM was inaugurated in Daet, Camarines Norte. Two years later, another station, DZMS-AM started broadcasting in the Province of Sorsogon. The household name of People’s Broadcasting System became People’s Broadcasting Network (PBN) to reflect its founder’s intent to serve its fellow Bicolanos regionwide.

The declaration of Martial Law on September 21, 1972 was the darkest moment in broadcast history. All radio and TV stations nationwide were shut down and PBN was among the casualties. However, PBN’s status as the most credible network in the Bicol Region was affirmed. DZGB Legazpi was immediately allowed to resume its broadcast operation one day after the shut down order, followed by DZMD Daet, Camarines Norte two days later and DZMS Sorsogon after a week.

In 1987, 97.1 DWGB-FM Legazpi aired its maiden broadcast. Barely six months after, it made history when it dominated the local surveys as the most listened to FM station in the area. PBN was on the move. It was not long before everyone realized that the momentum created by these turn of events would prove unstoppable.

With the advent of the 90’s, the network began to consider a move to the ultimate medium: television Realizing the need for a national network with a strong programming capability, PBN entered into and became an affiliate of ABC 5 (now TV5).On March 3, 1995, PBN’s dream of operating its own TV station became a reality. Its local TV shows took Naga City by storm, of which other giants networks found worthy competitor. Inspired by the huge success of DWGB-FM in Legazpi City, PBN decided to open another FM station in a more competitive market- Naga, on July 3, 1995. With the establishment of PBN TV 5 in Naga, it was just a matter of time before the 2nd TV Station was opened. On June 1995, PBN TV 6 was born in Legaspi. On the same year, People’s Broadcasting Network has changed its corporate name to PBN Broadcasting Network, Inc. with three (3) AM stations, two (2) FM stations and two (2) television stations strategically positioned in the key cities and provinces in the region that practically covers the entire Bicolandia.

Until today, PBN is focusing its vision of being responsive to the needs of its fellow Bicolanos - a network that achieves gains with honor and dignity.   From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia