ABS-CBN was temporarily closed last 5 May 2020 after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) of the Philippines issued a cease-and-desist order related to the expiration of its franchise.
This closure was the first time that the television network closed its broadcasting off the air since 1986. It was last shut down during the martial law era under former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1972.
It was on 30 March 1995 with Republic Act (RA) 7966 that the ABS-CBN was granted franchise until 2020.
And, on 4 May 2020, the franchise expired.
Run by the Lopez family, the cease and desist order covers 42 television stations operated by ABS-CBN across the country. This includes the main ABS-CBN Network, ABS-CBN Sports and Action, 5 AM stations, 10 digital broadcast channels, and 18 FM stations.
The ABS-CBN News Channel and its sister cable channels which is run by subsidiary Creative Programs were allowed to continue. Also, its online properties and production companies Star Music and Star Cinema were also allowed to continue because their operations are not contingent on the legislative franchise.