UNTV-BMPI Chairman and CEO Daniel Razon is beefing up UNTV’s offerings of free services starting the first quarter of 2014, a move not surprising for a network known as “The Public Service Channel”.

“We want to intensify all the public services that we do, as well as in the field of news reporting,” Kuya Daniel remarked during UNTV network’s 2014 kickoff event earlier this year. He added, “One of our focus is to enhance the capability of our news team.”

Kuya Daniel Razon reveals that UNTV’s big plans for 2014 is to widen and intensify the station’s public services and news delivery. (Rovic Balunsay | Photoville International)

Intensified News-and-Rescue Journalism

UNTV flagship news-and-rescue effort Tulong Muna Bago Balita (Rescue First, Report Later) has tapped Filipino actor Jeffrey Santos for the position of UNTV Rescue department operations manager.

Kuya Daniel announced during the same event that Jeffrey Santos will carry out the news-and-rescue department’s core functions. He will assist Kuya Daniel in raising the level of competence of UNTV rescuers and ensure that UNTV personnel receive training to become rescuers themselves. 

Grateful, the actor is hopeful of good turnout, saying “Hopefully, a very good start for UNTV and for me. Hoping that I will be able to deliver what Kuya have seen on me.”

Technology + News Delivery + Rescue Operations 

Seeing the better use of drone technology in news coverage and life-saving, Kuya Daniel disclosed that the public will see more of UNTV News and Rescue Team using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in its operations.

Late last 2013, UNTV has employed drone technology to report the huge damage of super typhoon Yolanda, which received wide attention from local and international bloggers and news services. 

Yugatech, Techniasia, Yahoo Philippines, Yahoo Singapore, and Yahoo Malaysia all respectively reported about UNTV’s use of drone technology for media coverage, a landmark in Philippine media landscape.

“We’re glad that they [media networks and bloggers] have noticed the innovations that we do and the use of existing technology for news reporting and for rescue,” said Kuya Daniel. 

“Perhaps it was a big thing that we have it (drone technology) started in the broadcast industry,” the veteran broadcast journalist said, adding, “It’s also a big thing for all rescuers from around the world to use this new technology to respond more quickly (to emergencies).”

Currently, UNTV is using drones to give its viewers a panoramic aerial view of news events and traffic reports.

UNTV Radio La Verdad: Intensified Programming

UNTV Radio La Verdad went full gear with widened public service offerings, including the launch of new radio programs.

Observers note that UNTV radio programming is creating a new niche in the airwaves with its novel programming that fuses public affairs, public service and live radio drama segments using college students. 

With Mr. Public Service, Kuya Daniel and Jo Gonzales assist their radio callers and listeners to receive immediate solutions to their problems with government agencies.

Another program hosted by Congressman Erin Tañada and Jackie Aquino are hosting Tinig ng Pilipino (Voice of the Filipino), which will focus on the current issues and events in the society and government is heard. 

Cong. Tañada is currently a co-host with Good Morning Kuya (GMK) while Aquino is a Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) member.

Lastly, Kalye Trese Singkwenta (1350 Street), an evening program hosted by Jeffrey Santos, which aims to provide timely and accurate updates to commuters and drivers of the latest road situations.

(Written by Carmi Tongol-Anecito)