CLTV36 Recognized by International Organization as Public Interest Media
For nearly two decades, CLTV36 has remained committed to delivering truthful and relevant information alongside entertainment and current affairs programs centered on local issues.
At the heart of its mission is the goal of connecting local communities to the nation and the world by showcasing the culture, traditions, and people of Central Luzon.
As a public interest media organization, CLTV36 prioritizes journalism and storytelling that serve communities, promote informed public discourse, and amplify local voices that are often underrepresented in mainstream national coverage.
Approaching a new decade, CLTV36 aims to grow beyond traditional broadcasting, expanding its current reach of 40 million people across its broadcast and social media platforms.
With the support of the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), this vision — and much more — is becoming possible.
CLTV36 as part of the Philippine grantee cohort
Independent media continues to face unprecedented and existential threats. This threat, in essence, is both political and economic.
As Ivygail Ong, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at IFPIM, emphasized:
“Independent media organizations in the Philippines have an essential role to play to inform communities across the country about issues that matter for them.”
To help independent media organizations survive and thrive amid these challenges, IFPIM supports innovation and experimentation both within newsrooms and across the broader media ecosystem.
By prioritizing sustainability and impact, the organization seeks to equip public interest media with the tools and resources needed for long-term resilience.
Among the 10 independent media outlets selected by IFPIM in the Philippines, CLTV36 stands out as the only regionally owned and operated television broadcaster.
According to IFPIM, “The station broadcasts news, current affairs, and entertainment to its five million cable subscribers, and reaches over 40 million people through its social media channels, mainly in Central Luzon.”
Getting to know IFPIM
Launched in 2022, the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) is the only global multilateral initiative dedicated to supporting independent public interest media in low- and middle-income countries.
Hosted by France and backed by over 20 governments and philanthropic donors, IFPIM provides grants and media support programs across Africa and the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe.
Its mission is to strengthen healthy information ecosystems by expanding access to trustworthy, ethical, and fact-based journalism. The organization works to increase funding for independent media and build resilient media systems that strengthen democracy. Since its launch, IFPIM has supported more than 140 media organizations in 34 countries.
CLTV36 and IFPIM collaboration
The Philippine grantee cohort program by IFPIM began with a strategic planning bootcamp.
In April, the first batch — composed of eight local media organizations in the country, most of them community-based outlets — gathered to explore ways to strengthen editorial expertise, deepen audience engagement, and maintain financial sustainability.
Representing CLTV36 during the three-day intensive bootcamp were Mr. Virgilio “Billy” San Juan, First Vice President and COO of the RBC Media Group, and journalist and Content Lead Mr. Justine Dizon.
Facilitated by NEST Mongolia, participants were given the chance to identify growth opportunities and develop organizational foundations for the long-term.
Each media organization in the Philippine cohort, including CLTV36, has been tasked with building a three-year roadmap tailored to local audiences, community concerns, and sustainable growth strategies.
As CLTV36 continues its collaboration with IFPIM, the station is looking forward to delivering more public interest content that highlights community stories, promotes meaningful conversations, and strengthens its commitment to public service across Central Luzon. #