Media research company Kantar Philippines is shutting down its entire media division, following the closure of its biggest client, broadcast giant ABS-CBN.

Rappler obtained a copy of a memo – signed by managing director Jay Bautista – informing the staff of the division’s closure by December 31.

“We regret to inform you that due to the closure of the business of one of our most valued clients, wherein 90% of the revenue comes from said client, the company is constrained to close its operations in Media Division effective December 31, 2020,” Bautista said in the memo.

ABS-CBN was a longtime subscriber of Kantar Media data. Kantar’s media division works on audience measurement and consumer targeting, among others. GMA7, meanwhile, subscribes to Nielsen data.

In a separate message to Rappler, Bautista confirmed the memo and said the whole media division is composed of 50 employees assigned in Metro Manila and in the different regions.

In the memo, Bautista said the company already informed the Department of Labor and Employment of its closure. Affected employees, he added, will receive their separation pay according to labor laws.

The shutdown of division operations will be done in 3 phases:

• 1st phase: 14 employees will be let go effective October 2
• 2nd phase: 10 employees will be let go effective November 1
• 3rd phase: 26 employees will be let go effective December 31.

ABS-CBN was forced to go off-air early May due to a National Telecommunications Commission order. Lawmakers rejected its bid for a fresh franchise in July over alleged “numerous violations” – a decision widely condemned as politically motivated. 

Aside from ABS-CBN’s 11,000 workers, many advertising and marketing firms were also affected by the closure. (READ: Fewer viewers, ad options: How ABS-CBN shutdown alters PH media landscape)

ABS-CBN earlier announced the retrenchment of its employees starting August 31. It also closed down many of its divisions and businesses, as the company shifted its focus on digital and cable projects. – Rappler.com