NewsWatch Plus granted content archive rights by predecessor CNN Philippines

CNN PHILIPPINES’ content lives on as NewsWatch Plus has been granted the rights to archive CNN Philippines’ content. The media group was formed with journalists who worked for CNN Philippines which closed in January 2024. 

NewsWatch Plus made the announcement on social media on August 22, 2024. According to the post, Nine Media Corporation, which operated CNN Philippines, gave NewsWatch Plus “the rights to archive all its content across all of our social media platforms. . .” The NewsWatch Plus website will re-upload “old articles and videos” of CNN Philippines.

The announcement declared the move as a “new beginning” for NewsWatch Plus. Launched on July 1, 2024 on YouTube, the group is digital-focused, expanding and extending the defunct “NewsWatch” newscast on RPN9 which provided its frequency to air CNN Philippines. NewsWatch Plus described itself as “the new go-to digital news and lifestyle channel offering content that engages netizens…” 

The start-up gathers broadcast journalists with experience from leading news organizations. Cris Paraso, now editorial director, was news editor for CNN Philippines and BusinessWorld. Former CNN correspondents will be fielded to report. CNN Philippines’ presenters Christine Jacob-Sandejas, Paolo Abrera, and Menchu Macapagal will host programs. 

At this time, the NewsWatch Plus website carries a link to the “CNN Philippines Archive” in its main header.

Rappler reported on February 1, 2024 that CNN Philippines’ website and social media were taken down after the media organization ceased operations on January 31, 2024. The report picked up the disappointment of some CNN Philippines staff who lamented the years’ worth of work that had been rendered inaccessible due to the takedown. 

CMFR Executive Director Melinda Quintos De Jesus described the CNN Philippines shutdown as a “loss” given the shrinking news space in the country. In its official statement, CNN Philippines cited several years of financial losses as the primary reason for the closure.