ABS-CBN Sports shuts down amid massive staff retrenchment

More media practitioners stand to lose their livelihood as embattled media giant ABS-CBN officially shut down its Sports division on Thursday, July 16.

Integrated Sports head Dino Laurena broke the tragic news to his staff online as other departments like Current Affairs, Lifestyle, Research and MOR FM Radio prepare to shut down as well.

“And so ends this journey,” Laurena wrote in a Facebook post after a virtual meeting with his Sports staff.

“I made the painful announcement to our beloved Sports team today. I’ve been on this road before and I can assure you, it is not something I will swear even on people I don’t like.”

“It is heart-wrenchingly painful.”

With this, major sports leagues like the UAAP, NCAA and PVL will now have to find other broadcast partners.

Over the years, ABS-CBN Sports has been at the forefront of Philippine sports broadcasting and online media thanks to their hardworking team of journalists, producers and other content creators.

As the weight of Congress’ decision to deny ABS-CBN a franchise renewal continues to ravage through families’ livelihoods, Laurena is asking for prayers while they endure yet another dark chapter in their lives.

“Please include our beloved ABS-CBN Sports team in your prayers,” he wrote. “They have served our audience well as advocates of the best values in sports.”

“We are ABS-CBN Sports, in the service of the Filipino sports fans. Kapamilya Forever!” he concluded. – Rappler.com