STUDIO 23, Inc. (Studio 23) is a company duly organized in the Philippines, which is engaged in the business of producing and distributing audio-visual and related materials. It is a fully-owned subsidiary of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation (ABS-CBN), a Philippine company which duly-enfranchised to operate broadcasting stations in the Philippines.
Among the television stations owned and operated by ABS-CBN is UHF television station Channel 23, in Metro Manila (Channel 23). Studio 23 provides the entire programming of Channel 23, and is authorized to enter into blocktimer agreements with third parties which purchase airtime for the broadcast of their programs of Channel 23.
History
During the mid 1990’s, ABS-CBN’s head honchos had a planning session in San Francisco, California. Ideas were springing up and one of these was to put up a channel that will cater to the upscale market. Freddie Garcia, then ABS-CBN’s COO and President, was the prime mover behind the creation of an English language UHF station. Studio 23 was conceptualized in order to service a market that ABS-CBN was no longer servicing.
In 1995, Studio 23 came into fruition as a team of pioneers was formed to lead such endeavor. The team was composed of Leo Katigbak and Jojo Estacio for Programming and Acquisitions, Kai Rodriguez for Finance and Administration, Edson Aguiflor and Allan Coronel for Creative On-Air. Later during the year, they were joined by Meckoy Quiogue as Managing Director, Rica Alfonso for Marketing, and Edge Pamute for Special Events.
In preparation for the big launch, Studio 23 explored tie-ups with foreign companies but remained a wholly owned subsidiary of ABS-CBN. During the same year, Studio 23 closed deals with suppliers and distributors in MIP ASIA. They were able to acquire the shows OPRAH, INSIDE EDITION, and WHEEL OF FORTUNE in the said premier Asian broadcasting exhibition event. In May 1996, Studio 23 again closed deals with suppliers and distributors in exhibitions held at Los Angeles, California. These deals closed at the L.A. Screenings were for new products intended for the October launch of the station.
In Mid-1996, Studio 23 had its first test broadcast and after some fine-tuning and a lot of preparations, Studio 23 officially went on-air on Saturday, October 12, 1996. MTV was aired during the day, followed by programming that started early evening. On the same day, Studio 23 aired its first movie the BODYGUARD that starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner on STUDIO 23 PRESENTS.
Two days after the big launch, Studio 23 aired its first newscast. NEWS 23 went on-air on October 14, 1996. the NEWS 23 crew was composed of Nona Cueva as Producer, Nancy Irlanda, Lori Bautista, and Joseph barrios as Anchors; Itos Valdes, Jenny Alejandro, Daphne Oseña, and Cathy Salceda as Reporters. NEWS 23 was subsequently reformatted. Frank Evangelista and Nancy Irlanda became the anchors of the newscast.
On September 21, 1998, NEWS 23 evolved into NEWS CENTRAL. Mari Kaimo and Tina Arcega were the anchors of the newscast. GUIDE TO URBAN LIVING, the first local show produced by Studio 23 and POINTS of VIEW, the first local co-production were also launched during the same year.
Over the last 10 years, Studio 23 has grown in scope and programming. The network broadened its profile from upscale to the more demographically desirable youth market with urban skew. The network has 16-35 age demo as its core market and it is known for its top notch programming, hip image, innovative promotions and trend-setting on-ground activities, complemented by the KABARKADA campaign launch in 2004, which was re-enforced further in 2007 to target the more elusive and difficult to capture young adult progressives or YAPSTERS.
STUDIO 23 has become the home of global mega-hits such as OPRAH, DAWSON’S CREEK, CHARMED, SMALLVILLE, BUFFY, X-FILES, SURVIVOR, CSI, ALIAS, AMAZING RACE, 7TH HEAVEN, WILL & GRACE, THE NANNY, and more recently, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED, LOST, UGLY BETTY, GREY’S ANATOMY, BROTHERS AND SISTERS and SUPERNATURAL.
The EMMY AWARDS, TEEN CHOICE AWARDS, AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS, THE GOLDEN GLOBES, and the GRAMMYS have also joined its line-up of power-house events.
A vey diverse slate of local shows have made their mark on STUDIO 23. Notables include WAZZUP WAZZUP, US GIRLS, PINOY BIG BROTHER, PINOY DREAM ACADEMY, DIGITAL TOUR, Y SPEAK, NGINIIIG PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS, IT’S A GUY THING, GAG ITO and BARKADA LOG (BLOG). More recently, BREAK THE BANK marked a first as the network's first local game show while long running NEWS CENTRAL scored points with its makeover designed to appeal to a younger demographic.
From stand-alone events like SURVIVORS IN MANILA [Ethan Zohn, Jenna Morasca and Shii-Ann Huang] to mega-events like BAYBREAK, SUNLOUNGE, BEACH HOUSE and BARKADA GIMIK [which has itself spun out into regional, Asian and US versions], STUDIO 23 remains unmatched in mounting these types of events which have become bigger and better every year.
Innovation has defined STUDIO 23 through the years, from the launch of its animated mascot Potato, to the reinvention of the VJs and other promotional opportunities, to the introduction of the coolest characters on TV, the gang of BARKADA TRIP, the first regularly produced animated interstitials on television. And the Gang's got the full compliment of support that includes webpages, interactive downloads and licensed merchandise.
STUDIO 23 has also won numerous awards and accolades from various media, and non-media groups, both local and international. Most recently, STUDIO 23 won the silver award in the print category at Promax 2006.
Contact Us:
Address:
3rd/F, Main Building, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center,
Mo. Ignacia Street cor. Sgt Esguerra, Quezon City, Philippines 1103
Trunkline:
(632) 415-2272
Email:
studio23@abs-cbn.com