Despite the rejection of ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal, the Philippine media giant’s Sports + Action (S+A) channel hopes to show its resilience with the online broadcast of the UAAP Season 82 closing ceremonies.

“This the first time we’re broadcasting something online with this magnitude because we’re awarding a lot of people,” said head of ABS-CBN Integrated Sports Dino Laurena.

“We’re confident that we’ll make it worthwhile for the athletes because they deserve it.” (READ: UAAP wraps up Season 82 with virtual closing ceremony)

According to Laurena, the online broadcast also requires a lot of manpower as an edited version will also be shown on LIGA cable sports channel and made available in ABS-CBN’s other digital platforms – iWant, TFC, and ABS-CBN Sports YouTube channel.

“From a show standpoint, you care for how people experience the show. A live show is a very hard thing to do. Continuity is very important,” explained Laurena.

As its partner leagues remain shuttered due to the coronavirus – a situation compounded by the broadcast shutdown order last May – ABS-CBN Sports has decided to put its efforts on generating online shows like SRSLY and TBH.

“This is really getting to be the new normal. If you watch the international programs, they [broadcast] in the safety of your homes – a place you can find security to practice social distancing – and it runs parallel to the dilemma that we (ABS-CBN) are facing,” added Laurena.

But with ABS-CBN’s current dire situation, Laurena admitted that all departments in the company, including Sports + Action (S+A), will undergo reevaluation.

“For the franchise, we’ll have to reevaluate but specific to sports. It’s looking at what are the platforms we’ll operate in so we’ll continue to deliver programs and shows to our fans,” said Laurena.

“Online is really going to be the future, no doubt about it.” – Rappler.com