FM radio company UBSI wins Congressional approval for 25-year franchise extension

THE BILL renewing the broadcast franchise granted to Ultrasonic Broadcasting System, Inc. (UBSI) for 25 years is now ready for the President’s signature.

The House of Representatives concurred with the amendments the Senate proposed to House Bill No. 6754, extending the franchise of UBSI, an operator of FM radio networks.

The franchise permits UBSI to “construct, install, operate and maintain for commercial purposes radio and television broadcasting stations” in the country.

The bill amends Republic Act No. 8081, first enacted in July 1995 and due to expire in 2020. The House’s concurrence eliminates the need for a bicameral conference committee to reconcile conflicting provisions.

UBSI, whose stations are branded Energy FM, started operations in Davao City, Cebu City, Naga City, Camarines Sur and Dagupan, before expanding to Metro Manila in 2003.

The franchise extension requires UBSI to provide adequate public service time to allow the government to disseminate important messages of public concern. It cannot broadcast “obscene or indecent transmissions,” or disseminate “deliberately false information or willful misrepresentation, or assist in subversive or treasonable acts.”

UBSI is barred from transferring or selling its franchise to other entities without the approval of Congress. Non-compliance will result in the revocation of the franchise.

It is required to submit an annual report to Congress as part of the terms of the franchise on or before April 30 of every year. Failure to submit will subject the UBSI to a P500 fine per working day of noncompliance. —