Former Negros Occidental representative and billionaire Albee Benitez has invested in digital news, following his foray to the media and entertainment business.

Benitez is one of the backers of Digicast Negros, a recently launched online news site covering Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental.

“I just support them because I believe in their craft and talent. Locally, we still need some to deliver news and they should continue doing that,” Benitez told Rappler on Tuesday, October 20.

Digicast Negros was established by journalists from ABS-CBN Bacolod and Visayan Daily Star. Both news organizations had already stopped operations.

Must Read

ABS-CBN Bacolod airs final newscast after 32 years

ABS-CBN Bacolod and other ABS-CBN regional stations were shut down after lawmakers rejected the network’s bid for a new legislative franchise. VDS ceased publication due to the financial impact brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. (READ: Closure, job cuts: Why COVID-19 spells death for community journalism)

Benitez is looking into expanding this model in other provinces that have lost access to information with the shutdown of ABS-CBN Regional Network Group (RNG).

Must Read

What you need to know about Albee Benitez and Brightlight Productions

Benitez also owns Brightlight Productions, which bought blocktime slots from TV5 network. Its programs are top-billed by ABS-CBN’s biggest stars.

Benitez had consistently ranked among the richest solons in the House of Representatives, with a net worth of more than P1 billion in 2018. – Rappler.com