DWAN 1206’s Risky Relaunch in the Digital Age

The Future of AM Radio? For the streaming converts, this tagline for IBC’s radio revival is an oxymoron.

[Requested by Mel dela Cruz]

FOR A MONTH now, the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) has been steadily building anticipation on its social media platforms for the revival of DWAN 1206 kHz, a station that has been dormant for two decades. They envision the revived AM station similar to 89 DMZ, with a mix of news and talk programming.

The Facebook reaction is generally positive, even Marc Logan is riding on this thing. Meanwhile on Reddit, particularly in one post on r/Philippines, a Redditor (not the original poster or OP) commented that it would be a “certain flop” and another case of “misuse of taxpayer funds.”

Did IBC venture into radio?

TL;DR: Yes, they did.

In 1975, they launched KB 89.1 (DWKB-FM), quickly becoming a popular easy-listening station. In 1989, it rebranded as 89 DMZ (DZMZ-FM), focusing on dance, hip-hop, and remixes. It featured Francis Magalona’s “The Word-up Show” and the “Mobile Circuit.” (From that era, it became a part of the Batang 90s culture.) In 2001, the frequency and facilities were won by the Vera Group, renaming it WAVE 89.1 (DWAV-FM).

On the AM side, IBC operated DWAN 1206 kHz since 1986 as IBC Broadkast Patrol, located in Broadcast City. In 1996, it was managed by Bubby Dacer’s Asia Pacific News and Features, featuring notable announcers like Rod Navarro, Cesar Chavez, John Susi, and Pol Velasco. It ceased operations in 2004 and became MMDA Traffic Radio in 2007, relocating to MMDA’s Communications and Command Center in Makati (which closed three years later).

Since then, they have only operated one provincial AM station in Capiz (Radyo Budyong Panay, DYJJ 1296) and one FM affiliate station in Palo, Leyte (Idol Radio, DYMP 87.7).¹

Factors and Concerns

Loyal fans of the big commercial radio giants like the once-mighty ABS-CBN, the current heavyweight GMA, and the MBC Media Group, might not be interested the state-owned station’s imminent return. It’s understandable, especially if it’s a long-standing government-run media outlet that has lost its appeal over time. Aside from their hardcore tribalism and fanaticism, other factors contribute their lack of interest:

1. Contradictory catchphrase: Despite touting itself as “The Future of AM Radio,” DWAN’s tagline rings hollow in a tech-driven world, suggesting stagnation instead of progress. While they recognize the technical limitations of AM radio compared to FM, the scarcity of FM frequency spots in Mega Manila exacerbates the issue. Frustrated by the slow pace of digital radio adoption, which falls under government purview, and the reluctance of individual station management to acknowledge and embrace change in media consumption habits, listeners have flocked to podcasts and Spotify.
2. Popping the hype bubble: IBC’s track record suggests that anticipation frequently leads to disappointment, as evidenced by Wowowin’s failed return to free-to-air TV last year (and even Genius Teens). One could say: “If they can’t do a deal with Wowowin, then, what more for this specific traditional media platform?”
3. Difficult to build trust: While IBC used social media to advertise job opening at DWAN, enticing those affected by layoffs, such as former CNN Philippines employees, or those seeking alternative media outlets due to financial difficulties in their primary employer, like Marc Logan. However, the concerned entity’s financial standings, pay concerns, and impartiality (as DWAN would mirror its sister government-owned AM radio station, RP1 738 kHz in this regard) all undermine trust in both the station and its owners.
4. Timing concerns: With the IBC’s current broadcast franchise set to expire next year, its future is uncertain, and some call it a desperate move. Despite the House passing the renewal bill last year, the Senate Committee’s prolonged inaction for over a year (as of this writing) has left the station’s fate hanging in the balance.

Conclusion

The aforementioned criticisms and concerns are valid enough to suggest that DWAN’s revival is risky. If IBC addresses these concerns and delivers strong content, they may have a chance to make a comeback. However, we should not be surprised if they fail to meet or exceed their expectations.

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Photo courtesy of Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC)

1. The information’s reliability is unclear, but the stations likely have limited listeners. ↩︎