Almost a year after CNN Philippines ceased operations, multi-awarded international journalist Rico Hizon is set to make his return to TV, joining ANC as host of Beyond the Exchange with Rico Hizon.

The new weekly talk program, premiering on November 5 at 6PM, will feature Hizon in engaging discussions with leading industry figures.

“Beyond the Exchange with Rico Hizon is a 30-minute talk program where I chat with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and iconic personalities who share their insights, expertise, and stories of hope amid the hustle and bustle of the business landscape, and celebrate those who embody the Filipino entrepreneurial spirit and innovation,” Hizon said of his new show in an interview with Media Newser Philippines earlier today.

Hizon’s return to local broadcasting comes after his time at CNN Philippines, which he joined in March 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the local CNN station, he served as the director of news content development and anchored a primetime newscast, The Final Word, as well as a business program, The Exchange.

Reflecting on his TV comeback, Hizon shared, “For 35 years, I ate, lived, and breathed news. It’s a breath of fresh air to be back on a weekly show on ABS-CBN.”

He added, “ABS-CBN is one of the most respected news organizations, and it is a privilege to be working side by side with some of the best broadcast journalists in the country.”

Known as one of the first Filipino journalists to penetrate the international news scene, Hizon spent over two decades working in international news networks, including at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in Singapore, and at CNBC Hong Kong.

Prior to this, Hizon launched his TV career in the Philippines via GMA News, where he appeared on programs like GMA Network News and GMA News Live.

While Hizon embarks on his new role at ANC, he will continue his corporate work with SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), where he initially served as senior vice president for corporate relations and now works as a consultant. With his current role requiring just a weekly taping, he anticipates being able to balance his corporate and broadcast responsibilities effectively.

“I’m returning to broadcast news because I believe in the importance of meaningful conversations. Beyond the Exchange is a platform to explore deeper stories, connect with diverse perspectives, and inspire viewers,” Hizon said.

Watch the promo video below:

CNN Philippines has officially announced on Monday that it will shut down its operations, effective Wednesday, January 31st.

In a statement, the network said, “It is with deep regret that the management of Nine Media Corporation (NMC) announces the discontinuation of its news and production operations on all media platforms, branded as CNN Philippines (CNNPH), effective 31 January 2024.”

Read CNN Philippines’ full statement below:
It is with deep regret that the management of Nine Media Corporation (NMC) announces the discontinuation of its news and production operations on all media platforms, branded as CNN Philippines (CNNPH), effective 31 January 2024. The decision follows significant financial losses sustained over the past years, despite rigorous efforts to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving and challenging media landscape.

We are aware of the impact of this closure on our valued employees and talents, we assure all affected staff will be provided with severance packages.

We express our deepest appreciation to our dedicated team for their unwavering commitment over the years that has elevated CNNPH as a trusted source of news and information in the Philippines.

With the conclusion of CNNPH’s operations, we would like to extend our profound gratitude to our partner, CNN Worldwide/Turner Broadcasting Corporation for their support and understanding.

To our loyal viewers, thank you for giving us purpose. We are honored to have served you. 

Again, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to our employees, partners, and stakeholders. Thank you for the trust.

CNN Philippines, the localized CNN station launched in 2015 to much fanfare, will wind down its operations, Media Newser Philippines has learned.

According to sources who spoke to this media website on condition of anonymity, Nine Media Corp. and CNN have mutually agreed not to continue with their licensing agreement due to significant financial losses.

Originally, the said licensing deal, which this media website reported back in 2019, is set to expire by the end of this year. But Nine Media has had trouble keeping up with the licensing fee.

Additionally, the financial strain has been heightened by the lack of ad placement, adding to the overall difficulties for Nine Media in minimizing the losses. Ultimately, we were told, the best move is to shut down the network.

Despite CNN’s global name recognition, CNN Philippines has struggled to compete with its mainstream counterparts. This, coupled with the decline in ad revenue and increased operating costs, has posed a significant challenge for the local CNN station.

We have been told top talents such as Pia Hontiveros, Pinky Webb and Rico Hizon, who was recently named Best News Presenter at the 28th Asian TV Awards, have been informed about this development, and they are free to explore discussions with other potential employers this early.

In light of the shutdown, we have also learned that staffers and employees will receive separation pay.

CNN Philippines first aired in March 2015 with much promise and potential. At the time, it was the first international franchise to grace the local airwaves, followed by Bloomberg TV Philippines.

Initially led by former Nine Media President and CEO Reggie Galura and then-network SVP Jing Magsaysay, Armie Jarin-Bennett, a CNN veteran, took the reins as EVP in 2016, eventually becoming president until 2020. Under her tenure, the network saw a brief revival, transforming it into a more news-savvy organization that doubled down on breaking news and enterprise reporting.

Channel 9, as per sources, will revert back to RPN 9, at least for the time being, after the CNN branding concludes at the end of this month – a change already evident to its viewers with the recent airing of entertainment and sports programming, namely E.A.T. and the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Season 48.

Looking ahead, CNN is reportedly exploring various options, including the possibility of running its own operations in the country online in the near future.