Sonshine Media Network International#Controversies

{{Infobox company

| name = Swara Sug Media Corporation

| logo = SMNI39.jpg

| logo_caption = The logo of SMNI since 2010

| trade_name = Sonshine Media Network International

| predecessor =

| location = {{Plainlist|

KJC Compound, Carlos P. Garcia Highway, Sasa, Buhangin, Davao City, Philippines
ACQ Tower, Santa Rita St., Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati, Philippines

}}

| type = Private

| foundation = {{start date and age|1987}}

| industry = Mass media

| founder =

| key_people = {{Plainlist|

Marlon Rosete (President and CEO)

}}

| brands = {{Plainlist|

SMNI
SMNI News Channel
Sonshine Radio

}}

| services = {{Plainlist|

}}

| owner = Kingdom of Jesus Christ {{small|(53.46%)}}
Phoebus Capital Holdings Inc. {{small|(46.2%)}}
Jesus Christ Workers Members Cooperative {{small|(19%)}}
Marlon Rosete {{small|(13%)}}

| parent = Kingdom of Jesus Christ

| homepage = {{URL|www.smni.com}}

| footnotes =

| module =

{{Infobox television channel

| child=yes

| name = Channel information (SMNI)

| logo =

| type = Broadcasting network (Terrestrial television network; 2005–2023
Pay TV television channel; since 2003)

| available =

| area = Philippines
Worldwide (satellite and online)

| launch_date = 2000; 24 years ago

| closed_date = {{End date and age|2023|12|19}}

| language = English
Tagalog

| erp =

| owner = Swara Sug Media Corporation

| founder = Apollo Quiboloy

| picture_format = 16:9 480i (SDTV)

| sister_channels = SMNI News Channel

| former_names = {{Plainlist|

ACQ Broadcasting Network (1987–1992)
ACQ Worldwide Broadcast Ministries Q-Channel (1992–2003)
Net39 (1999–2000)
ETV-39 (1998–2001)
ACQ Kingdom Broadcasting Network (2003–2010)

}}

| website =

| footnotes =

}}

Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), also known by its legal name Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC),{{Cite web|url=https://thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/republic-acts/ra-no-8122.php|title = R.A. No. 8122: An Act Granting the Swara Sug Media Corp. Of the Philippines a Franchise to Construct, Install, Operate and Maintain for Commercial Purposes Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations in the Philippines and for Other Purposes|date = July 16, 1995}} is a Tagalog broadcast media arm of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) led by the Tagalog televangelist Apollo Quiboloy.{{Cite web|title=About Sonshine Media Network International|url=https://smni.com/about/|access-date=May 15, 2021|website=smni.com|language=en}} Based in Davao City and Makati, it operates a network of radio and television broadcasting stations.

It currently owns and operates a sister channel (SMNI News Channel), the broadcasting network is available over terrestrial broadcast in the Philippines (until December 2023), and on cable, satellite, and online streaming worldwide.{{Cite web|title=About Sonshine Media Network International|url=https://smni.com/about/|access-date=May 15, 2021|website=smni.com|language=en}} The network now owns and operates two television networks, where the main flagship station, based in Davao City, maintains an uninterrupted 24-hour service through regular repetition of a dozen self-produced Kingdom Programs in English, Filipino, and dozens of foreign languages along with news, public affairs, public service, infotainment, sports and entertainment programs. On the other hand, the network's sister channel SMNI News Channel, based in Makati, primarily provides rolling news coverage and public affairs programs, which broadcasts exclusively in Digital TV format in Metro Manila, Metro Davao, Benguet and Cagayan de Oro (until December 2023). It also maintained a network of radio stations under the "Sonshine Radio" brand of the Swara Sug Media Corporation. SMNI also has print publications such as Guide Magazine, Pinas Newspaper and Sikat Newspaper.{{cite news |last1=Legaspi |first1=Amita |title=Noynoy, Villar skip Quiboloy forum; pastor 'disappointed' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/185720/noynoy-villar-skip-quiboloy-forum-pastor-disappointed/story/ |access-date=29 March 2024 |work=GMA News Online |date=9 March 2010 |language=en}}

The broadcasting network was licensed in late 2003 by the Philippine government to operate seven analog free-to-air television channels in key cities across the country. It also has two digital terrestrial channels in Metro Manila and Metro Davao.{{Cite web|title=About Sonshine Media Network International|url=https://smni.com/about/|access-date=May 15, 2021|website=smni.com|language=en}}

SMNI has been the object of various criticisms, particularly centering on right-wing populist bias and handling its own coverage through forms of disinformation.

History

The Kingdom of Jesus Christ's Media Ministry, known today as SMNI, began on the radio with the program "Pagsusi sa Kamatuoran" (Searching for Truth/Paghahanap ng Katotohanan) on radio stations DXDC and DXUM. The television ministry began in 1991, when they launched their first television program, "The Hour of Truth" aired nationally on IBC and ABS-CBN stations in the Visayas and Mindanao, followed by "Powerline" in 1995.

In July 2000, The Kingdom of Jesus Christ officially launched its 24-hour cable network, "The Q Channel" (then also known as "ACQ–TV, Q Channel", not to be confused with defunct Philippine TV network QTV), bringing the Gospel of the Kingdom from Davao City to key cities around the Philippines, which was carried by Sky Cable in Davao City, General Santos, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Tagum and Baguio.

On 25 April 2003, The Q Channel became the "ACQ–Kingdom Broadcasting Network" (ACQ-KBN), with an expanded reach across the Asia-Pacific region and the United States via satellite, using its own satellite uplink Broadcast station located at Davao Central, also carrying the new slogan "Delivering the Good news 24 hours a day, 7 days a week".{{cite web |url=http://www.kingdomofjesuschrist.org:80/kbn_history.php |title=ACQ-KBN History |work=kingdomofjesuschrist.org (Wayback Machine) |access-date=September 22, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050203191407/http://www.kingdomofjesuschrist.org/kbn_history.php |archive-date=February 3, 2005 }} In the same year also, ACQ-KBN launched its first TV station Sonshine TV-43 Davao, and introduced new religious programs such as Give Us This Day, Sounds of Worship, Batang Kaharian (lit. Kingdom Child), Way Ahead, Highest Praise, Quiet Moments, and many more.

In 2004, ACQ-KBN signed an agreement with GlobeCast World TV, which aims to expand its broadcast footprint around the world. In the same year also that KJC through ACQ-KBN launched its own radio station in Davao City as "DXAQ Kingdom Radio 1404 AM".

In March 2005, KJC and ACQ-KBN acquired the congressional franchise, ownership and management of the Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC). at the same day, ACQ-KBN and SSMC acquired all the NBC Angel Radyo AM stations from Nation Broadcasting Corporation, which in turn, operated as the "Sonshine Radio" network.

On 6 November 2005, DWAQ-TV Channel 39 signed on the air and began its test broadcast as "ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV-39 Metro Manila". On 8 January 2006, ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV 39 was launched during the first Global Thanksgiving and Worship presentation of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, which held at the PhilSports Arena, the network ventured from Cable TV broadcasting to Free-to-Air TV broadcasting, and broadcasts with the transmitter power of 60 kilowatts.{{cite AV media|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BEqqoU9YTBc&feature=youtu.be|title=SMNI Launch|publisher=Mark Michael Salin YouTube Channel|date=March 19, 2008|access-date=March 19, 2008}}

On 5 June 2006, ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV launched "Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI)" as News and Public Affairs block which became a tie-up of ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV-39 in Metro Manila and ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV-43 in Davao, with the original slogan "Service First, Right Here, Right Now, Worldwide".

On 30 July 2006, ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV is now on Nationwide with more than 500 cable TV operators across the Philippines.

On 4 January 2009, ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV-37 in Santiago, Isabela officially signed on as the network's third TV station during the first Global Thanksgiving and Worship presentation at the Buenavista Barangay Hall in Santiago, Isabela. A few months later on 10 May 2009, The ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV-39 Butuan was also launched after the first global thanksgiving and Worship presentation at the Luciana Convention Center in Butuan.

In August 2010, a merger took place between ACQ-KBN and Sonshine TV, as the two programming blocks had been consolidated. As a result, the ACQ-KBN branding ceased to exist, and officially relaunched under the newly rebranded "SMNI". Coinciding with this, the network unveiled its new slogan "Alternative media, Alternative power, it Sustains Life" (first slogan) and "Informs, Delivers, Transforms" (second slogan), along with its new station ID.

In January 2011, SMNI adopted another new slogan, "Where Everything is Possible", also with its new station ID.

On 24 May 2016, SMNI launched its own News and Public affairs channel as SMNI News Channel and it is exclusively aired over Digital Terrestrial Television on UHF Channel 40 in Metro Manila until 31 December 2022 (move to UHF Channel 43 starting 1 January 2023) and its internet Live streaming.

On 31 August 2019, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11422 which renewed Swara Sug Media Corporation license for another 25 years. The law grants SSMC a franchise to construct, install, operate, and maintain, for commercial purposes, radio broadcasting stations and television stations, including digital television system, with the corresponding facilities such as relay stations, throughout the Philippines.{{cite news|url=https://pinasglobal.com/2019/09/prangkisa-ng-swara-sug-media-corporation-pinalawig-pa-ng-25-taon/|title=Prangkisa ng Swara Sug Media Corporation pinalawig pa ng 25 taon|publisher=Pinas: The Filipino's Global Newspaper|date=September 9, 2019|access-date=September 9, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11422_2019.html|title = Republic Act No. 11422}}

On 26 January 2022, the National Telecommunications Commission assigned the network's television frequency on channel 43 which was formerly used by Mareco Broadcasting Network as a TV carry-over station of 105.1 Crossover from 1994 to 2000 and AMCARA Broadcasting Network for ABS-CBN's DTT broadcast on ABS-CBN TV Plus from 2013 to 2020.{{Cite web|last=Zablin|first=Clarist|url=https://news.tv5.com.ph/search/read/broadcast-frequencies-journalists-group-questions-granting-of-abs-cbns-former-frequencies-to-duterte-allies#|title=Broadcast Frequencies: Journalists' group questions granting of ABS-CBN's former frequencies to Duterte allies|website=News5.com.ph|date=January 26, 2022}} On 1 January 2023, SMNI began to transmit its digital test broadcast on UHF Channel 43 (647.143 MHz) as its permanent frequency assigned by NTC.

On 19 February 2023, SMNI DTT Channel 43 officially signed on during the first Global Thanksgiving and Worship presentation at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal. The network covered in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Channel 43 will be used as the main channel of SMNI on DTT, while retaining the use of Channel 39 as a secondary channel after transitioning from analog to digital signal.{{cite AV media|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8t4LJtoBpNI|title=SMNI Channel 43 now Signing on!|publisher=Apollo Quiboloy YouTube Channel|date=February 19, 2023|access-date=February 19, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://smninewschannel.com/signing-on-ng-smni-digital-channel-43-mega-manila-pinangunahan-ni-pastor-apollo-c-quiboloy/|title=Signing-on ng SMNI Digital Channel 43 Mega Manila, pinangunahan ni Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy|publisher=smninewschannel.com|date=February 20, 2023|access-date=February 20, 2023}}

Programming

{{main|List of Sonshine Media Network International original programming|SMNI News Channel#Programming}}

Domestic stations

=TV stations=

Offline as of December 2023 due to NTC's shutdown order

==Final analog TV nationwide==

class="wikitable sortable"
Branding ! Callsign ! Ch. # ! Power (kW) ! Station type ! class="unsortable"\|Location (transmitter site)
SMNI TV-43 Davao \| DXAQ-TV \| TV-43 \| 50 kW \| Originating \| Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City
SMNI TV-35 Laoag \| DWSB-TV \| TV-35 \| 5 kW \| Relay \| Laoag
SMNI TV-38 Vigan \| DWSP-TV \| TV-38 \| 5 kW \| Relay \| Vigan
SMNI TV-37 Isabela \| DWSA-TV \| TV-37 \| 2 kW \| Relay \| Santiago, Isabela
SMNI TV-39 Roxas \| DYSW-TV \| TV-39 \| 1 kW \| Relay \| Roxas City, Capiz
SMNI TV-39 Butuan \| DXSW-TV \| TV-39 \| 5 kW \| Relay \| Butuan

class="wikitable sortable"

Branding

! Callsign

! Ch. #

! Power (kW)

! Station type

! class="unsortable"|Location (transmitter site)

SMNI TV-43 Davao

| DXAQ-TV

| TV-43

| 50 kW

| Originating

| Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City

SMNI TV-35 Laoag

| DWSB-TV

| TV-35

| 5 kW

| Relay

| Laoag

SMNI TV-38 Vigan

| DWSP-TV

| TV-38

| 5 kW

| Relay

| Vigan

SMNI TV-37 Isabela

| DWSA-TV

| TV-37

| 2 kW

| Relay

| Santiago, Isabela

SMNI TV-39 Roxas

| DYSW-TV

| TV-39

| 1 kW

| Relay

| Roxas City, Capiz

SMNI TV-39 Butuan

| DXSW-TV

| TV-39

| 5 kW

| Relay

| Butuan

==Final digital broadcast stations==

class="wikitable sortable"
Terrestrial ! Callsign ! Ch. # ! Frequency ! Power ! class="unsortable"\|Area of Coverage
rowspan="3"\|Digital \| rowspan="3"\|DWAQ-DTV \| 39 (Digital Test Broadcast) \| 623.143 MHz \| rowspan="2"\| 10 kW \| rowspan="3"\|Metro Manila
43 (Digital Test Broadcast) \| 647.143 MHz
44 (Digital Test Broadcast) \| 653.143 MHz \| 5.5 kW
Digital \| DXAQ-TV \| 19 (Digital Test Broadcast) \| 503.143 MHz \| 5 kW \| Davao

class="wikitable sortable"

Terrestrial

! Callsign

! Ch. #

! Frequency

! Power

! class="unsortable"|Area of Coverage

rowspan="3"|Digital

| rowspan="3"|DWAQ-DTV

| 39 (Digital Test Broadcast)

| 623.143 MHz

| rowspan="2"| 10 kW

| rowspan="3"|Metro Manila

43 (Digital Test Broadcast)

| 647.143 MHz

44 (Digital Test Broadcast)

| 653.143 MHz

| 5.5 kW

Digital

| DXAQ-TV

| 19 (Digital Test Broadcast)

| 503.143 MHz

| 5 kW

| Davao

==SMNI on Pay television==

class="wikitable sortable"
Cable Provider ! Ch. # ! class="unsortable"\|Coverage
Cablelink \| 95 \| rowspan="2"\|Metro Manila
Destiny Cable \| 162 on Digital
rowspan="2"\|Sky Cable \| 162 on Digital \|Metro Manila Batangas Bulacan
59 \| rowspan="2"\|Metro Baguio
Mountainview Satellite Corporation \| 90
Prime Cable Network \| 39 \| Sagada
Sky Cable \| 10 \| rowspan="2"\|Metro Laoag
Sunshine CATV \| 73
Vigan Satellite Cable TV \| 73 \| rowspan="2"\|Vigan
Eaglevision Cable \| 64
Pangasinan Educational Cable TV \| 35 \| Alaminos
USATV \| 58 \| rowspan="2"\|Dagupan
Sky Cable \| 95
Genmar Cable Communications \| 44 \| Rosales
Eaglevision Cable \| 64 \| Binalonan
RBC Cable Master System \| 90 \| rowspan="2"\|Tuguegarao
Clearview Cable TV System \| 78
Regal Cable TV Network \| 52 \| rowspan="2"\|Santiago
New City Cable System \| 84
Cablelink \| 95 \| Santa Maria
Angeles City Cable Television Network \| 84 \| Angeles, Pampanga
Multi-Network Cable Company \| 50 \| rowspan="2"\|Cabanatuan
Prime Cable Network \| 66
Muñoz Satellite TV System, Inc. \| 97 \| rowspan="2"\|Muñoz
Home Choice Cable TV \| 90
Eaglevision Cable \| 64 \| Moncada
Sky Cable \| 162 \| rowspan="2"\|Cavite City
Suburban Cable Network \| 105
Cablelink \| 95 \| Bacoor
Dasca Cable \| 113 \| Dasmariñas
Community Cable TV \| 78 \| Los Baños
Royal Cable \| 35 \| rowspan="2"\|Santa Rosa
Sky Cable \| 162
Puerto Princesa CATV \| 18 \| rowspan="2"\|Puerto Princesa
Prime Cable Network \| 80
Charles Cable TV System \| 11 \| rowspan="2"\|Cataingan
Prime Cable Network \| 76
Charles Cable TV System \| 13 \| rowspan="2"\|Masbate
Masbate Cable, Inc. \| 90
DCTV Cable Network \| 114 \| rowspan="2"\|Legazpi
ESTV Cable Network \| 87
Caceres Cable TV \| 65 \| rowspan="2"\|Metro Naga
rowspan="2"\|DCTV Cable Network \| rowspan="2"\|114
rowspan="2"\|Sorsogon
HLTV Cable Network \| 108
Aklan Cable TV Network \| 45 \| rowspan='2'\|Kalibo
Kalibo Cable TV Network \| 100
Filvision Alto Cable \| 42 \| rowspan="2"\|Roxas
Wesfardell Cable Service \| 89
Sky Cable \| 50 \| rowspan="2"\|Metro Iloilo
Cable Star Inc. \| 64
Sky Cable \| 51 \| rowspan="2"\|Metro Bacolod
New Bacolod Cable \| 132
Sky Cable Cebu \| 37 \| rowspan="2"\|Metro Cebu
Misamis Cable TV Network \| 76
Cine Cebu Television Network \| 99 \| Lapu-Lapu
Sky Cable \| 64 \| rowspan="2"\|Metro Dumaguete
rowspan="2"\|Fil-Products Cable Company \| 76
62 \| rowspan="2"\|Tacloban
Leyte Cable TV Network \| 14
Fil-Products Cable Company \| 81 \| rowspan="2"\|Calbayog
Calbayog CATV \| 95
Sky Cable Zamboanga \| 49 \| Zamboanga City
Prime Cable Network \| 37 \| Sindangan
Misamis Cable TV Network \| 69 \| rowspan="2"\|Ozamiz
Fil-Products Cable Company \| 90
Parasat Cable TV \| 18 \| rowspan="2"\|Cagayan de Oro
Jade Cable TV \| 37
Sky Cable \| 51 \| rowspan="2"\|Cotabato
Cotabato Cable TV Network \| 57
Sky Cable \| 37 \| rowspan="2"\|General Santos
Lakandula Cable TV Network \| 97
Sky Cable \| 29 \| rowspan="2"\|Polomolok
JVL Star Cable \| 97
Trinity Cable TV Network \| 47 \| Pantukan
rowspan="2"\|Sky Cable \| 14 \| Tagum
14 and 46 \| rowspan="2"\|Davao Central
Davao Cableworld Network \| 97
Fil Products Cable Company \| 97 \| rowspan="2"\|Butuan
rowspan="8"\|Z-Energy CATV \| rowspan="3"\|49
Buenavista
Kitcharao
83 \| Medina
08 \| Alegria
78 \| Placer
rowspan="2"\|69 \| Salay
Talisayan
Cignal \| 186 \| rowspan="2"\|Nationwide
GSat Direct TV \| 40

class="wikitable sortable"

Cable Provider

! Ch. #

! class="unsortable"|Coverage

Cablelink

| 95

| rowspan="2"|Metro Manila

Destiny Cable

| 162 on Digital

rowspan="2"|Sky Cable

| 162 on Digital

|Metro Manila
Batangas
Bulacan

| rowspan="2"|Metro Baguio

Mountainview Satellite Corporation

| 90

Prime Cable Network

| 39

| Sagada

Sky Cable

| 10

| rowspan="2"|Metro Laoag

Sunshine CATV

| 73

Vigan Satellite Cable TV

| 73

| rowspan="2"|Vigan

Eaglevision Cable

| 64

Pangasinan Educational Cable TV

| 35

| Alaminos

USATV

| 58

| rowspan="2"|Dagupan

Sky Cable

| 95

Genmar Cable Communications

| 44

| Rosales

Eaglevision Cable

| 64

| Binalonan

RBC Cable Master System

| 90

| rowspan="2"|Tuguegarao

Clearview Cable TV System

| 78

Regal Cable TV Network

| 52

| rowspan="2"|Santiago

New City Cable System

| 84

Cablelink

| 95

| Santa Maria

Angeles City Cable Television Network

| 84

| Angeles, Pampanga

Multi-Network Cable Company

| 50

| rowspan="2"|Cabanatuan

Prime Cable Network

| 66

Muñoz Satellite TV System, Inc.

| 97

| rowspan="2"|Muñoz

Home Choice Cable TV

| 90

Eaglevision Cable

| 64

| Moncada

Sky Cable

| 162

| rowspan="2"|Cavite City

Suburban Cable Network

| 105

Cablelink

| 95

| Bacoor

Dasca Cable

| 113

| Dasmariñas

Community Cable TV

| 78

| Los Baños

Royal Cable

| 35

| rowspan="2"|Santa Rosa

Sky Cable

| 162

Puerto Princesa CATV

| 18

| rowspan="2"|Puerto Princesa

Prime Cable Network

| 80

Charles Cable TV System

| 11

| rowspan="2"|Cataingan

Prime Cable Network

| 76

Charles Cable TV System

| 13

| rowspan="2"|Masbate

Masbate Cable, Inc.

| 90

DCTV Cable Network

| 114

| rowspan="2"|Legazpi

ESTV Cable Network

| 87

Caceres Cable TV

| 65

| rowspan="2"|Metro Naga

rowspan="2"|DCTV Cable Network

| rowspan="2"|114

rowspan="2"|Sorsogon

HLTV Cable Network

| 108

Aklan Cable TV Network

| 45

| rowspan='2'|Kalibo

Kalibo Cable TV Network

| 100

Filvision Alto Cable

| 42

| rowspan="2"|Roxas

Wesfardell Cable Service

| 89

Sky Cable

| 50

| rowspan="2"|Metro Iloilo

Cable Star Inc.

| 64

Sky Cable

| 51

| rowspan="2"|Metro Bacolod

New Bacolod Cable

| 132

Sky Cable Cebu

| 37

| rowspan="2"|Metro Cebu

Misamis Cable TV Network

| 76

Cine Cebu Television Network

| 99

| Lapu-Lapu

Sky Cable

| 64

| rowspan="2"|Metro Dumaguete

rowspan="2"|Fil-Products Cable Company

| 76

| rowspan="2"|Tacloban

Leyte Cable TV Network

| 14

Fil-Products Cable Company

| 81

| rowspan="2"|Calbayog

Calbayog CATV

| 95

Sky Cable Zamboanga

| 49

| Zamboanga City

Prime Cable Network

| 37

| Sindangan

Misamis Cable TV Network

| 69

| rowspan="2"|Ozamiz

Fil-Products Cable Company

| 90

Parasat Cable TV

| 18

| rowspan="2"|Cagayan de Oro

Jade Cable TV

| 37

Sky Cable

| 51

| rowspan="2"|Cotabato

Cotabato Cable TV Network

| 57

Sky Cable

| 37

| rowspan="2"|General Santos

Lakandula Cable TV Network

| 97

Sky Cable

| 29

| rowspan="2"|Polomolok

JVL Star Cable

| 97

Trinity Cable TV Network

| 47

| Pantukan

rowspan="2"|Sky Cable

| 14

| Tagum

14 and 46

| rowspan="2"|Davao Central

Davao Cableworld Network

| 97

Fil Products Cable Company

| 97

| rowspan="2"|Butuan

rowspan="8"|Z-Energy CATV

| rowspan="3"|49

Buenavista

Kitcharao

| Medina

| Alegria

| Placer

rowspan="2"|69

| Salay

Talisayan

Cignal

| 186

| rowspan="2"|Nationwide

GSat Direct TV

| 40

*And 500 Cable TV Operators in the Philippines.

=Radio stations=

{{Infobox broadcasting network

| name = Sonshine Radio

| image =

| logo =

| type = Broadcast AM Radio Network

| branding = Sonshine Radio

| established =

| country = Philippines

| available = Defunct

| founded = {{start date and age|2005|01|29}}

| founder =

| motto =

| erp =

| owner =

| parent = Swara Sug Media Corporation

| key_people = Admar R. Vilando (Station Manager)

| foundation =

| launch_date = {{Start date|2005|01|29}}

| dissolved = {{End date and age|2023|12|21}}

| replaced =

| replaced_by =

| former_names =

| affiliates =

| groups =

| former_affiliations =

| webcast =

| website =

| subsidiary =

| footnotes =

}}

class="wikitable"

! Branding

! Callsign

! Frequency

! Power (kW)

! Location

Sonshine Radio Davao

| DXRD

| 711 kHz

| 10 kW

| Davao

Sonshine Radio Manila

| DZAR

| 1026 kHz

| 50 kW

| Metro Manila

Sonshine Radio Dagupan

| DZRD

| 981 kHz

| 10 kW

| Dagupan

Sonshine Radio Tuguegarao

| DZYT

| 765 kHz

| 5 kW

| Tuguegarao

Sonshine Radio Santiago

| DWSI

| 864 kHz

| 5 kW

| Santiago

Sonshine Radio Cabanatuan

| DWAY

| 1332 kHz

| 5 kW

| Cabanatuan

Sonshine Radio Cebu

| DYAR

| 765 kHz

| 10 kW

| Cebu

Sonshine Radio Cagayan de Oro

| DXCL

| 1098 kHz

| 10 kW

| Cagayan de Oro

==Former stations==

class="wikitable"

! Branding

! Callsign

! Frequency

! Power (kW)

! Location

Sonshine Radio Laoag

| DWAR

| 819 kHz

| 5 kW

| Laoag

Sonshine Radio Ilagan

| DZYI

| 711 kHz

| 5 kW

| Cauayan/Ilagan

Sonshine Radio San Pablo

| DZSP

| 864 kHz

| 5 kW

| San Pablo

Sonshine Radio Zamboanga

| DXYZ

| 963 kHz

| 5 kW

| Zamboanga

Sonshine Radio Davao Central (Kingdom Radio)

| DXAQ

| 1404 kHz

| 5 kW

| Davao Central

Sonshine Radio General Santos

| DXRE

| 837 kHz

| 5 kW

| General Santos

Sonshine Radio Cotabato

| DXRO

| 945 kHz

| 5 kW

| Cotabato

Sonshine Radio Butuan

| DXRB

| 873 kHz

| 5 kW

| Butuan

Sonshine Radio Bislig

| DXBL

| 801 kHz

| 5 kW

| Bislig

Partnership talks with CGTN

Controversies

=Alleged bias and far-right content=

SMNI has been a subject of many criticisms and allegations from independent media watchdogs, particularly on misinformation, false accusation, and right-wing{{Cite web |title=Philippines |url=https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2023/philippines |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Chi |first=Cristina |title=Digital News Report: Filipinos more 'cautious' of expressing political views |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/06/14/2273831/digital-news-report-filipinos-more-cautious-expressing-political-views |access-date=2023-07-03}} bias while maintaining its editorial control.{{cite news |last1=De Leon |first1=Dwight |title=Quiboloy's news group repeatedly red-baits Makabayan bloc during COC filing |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/quiboloy-smni-redbaiting-makabayan-certificate-candidacy-filing-2022-polls/ |access-date=January 29, 2022 |work=Rappler |date=October 11, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Zablan |first1=Clarist |title=Quiboloy's SMNI fuels disinformation, attacks to journalists and activists – report |url=https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/disinformation-quiboloys-smni-fuels-disinformation-attacks-to-journalists-and-activists-report |work=News5 |access-date=March 2, 2022 |date=February 7, 2022}}

Media institutions and sectoral rights groups have accused SMNI of spreading misinformation and fake news while at the same time attacking critics of the Duterte administration and several media outlets in the form of "red-tagging".{{cite news |title=Quiboloy's SMNI fuels disinformation, online attacks on gov't critics |url=https://www.rappler.com/technology/social-media/apollo-quiboloy-sonshine-media-network-disinformation-attacks-government-critics/ |access-date=March 2, 2022 |work=Rappler |date=February 6, 2022}}

=Termination of YouTube channel and Facebook page=

On 7 July 2023, YouTube terminated the channels of SMNI and one of its programs, Laban Kasama ang Bayan ({{translation|Fight with the People}}), along with KJC, following a previous ban on Quiboloy's YouTube channel which was terminated on 21 June. Google later stated that their actions were in compliance with existing sanctions by the United States against Quiboloy pursuant to the US Global Magnitsky Act and harmful misinformation regarding red-tagging; Quiboloy was previously indicted by the United States Department of Justice on charges of human trafficking and child sexual abuse.{{Cite news |last=Ombay |first=Giselle |date=2023-06-22 |title=YouTube takedown nothing new, says Quiboloy |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/873709/youtube-takedown-nothing-new-says-quiboloy/story/ |access-date=2023-07-06 |work=GMA News Online}}{{cite news |last=Gonzales |first=Gelo |url=https://www.rappler.com/technology/social-media/youtube-terminates-smni-news-kojc-channels-compliance-us-sanctions-laws/ |title=YouTube terminates SMNI News, KOJC channels in 'compliance with US sanctions laws' |work=Rappler |date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023}}

Quiboloy and SMNI later created accounts on the alt-tech video service Rumble{{Cite news |last=Mateo |first=Janvic |title=YouTube removes other channels affiliated with Quiboloy |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/07/08/2279464/youtube-removes-other-channels-affiliated-quiboloy |access-date=2023-07-08}} as well as an alternate account for SMNI on YouTube in defiance of sanctions.{{Cite news |last=Cua |first=Aric John Sy |date=2023-07-08 |title=SMNI News channel back on YouTube |language=en |work=The Manila Times |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/08/news/smni-news-channel-back-on-youtube/1899693 |access-date=2023-07-08}} The alternate account was suspended by YouTube a few days later.{{Cite news |last=Cua |first=Aric John Sy |date=2023-07-11 |title=Up again, down again: YouTube drops SMNI news for second time |language=en |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/11/news/up-again-down-again-youtubedrops-smni-news-for-second-time/1900115 |access-date=2023-07-11}} On 15 September 2023, the SMNI News' Facebook page was deleted, in accordance to Meta's Dangerous Organizations and Individuals Policy.{{Cite web |last=Baizas |first=Gaby |date=2023-09-15 |title=SMNI News Facebook page disappears |url=https://www.rappler.com/technology/social-media/smni-news-facebook-page-unavailable-september-2023/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}} Despite these, SMNI continues to evade from ban by creating and launching multiple pages under different names.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024|reason=Please make sure to add reliable sources in accordance with wikipedia's Reliable Source standards.}} On 19 March 2025, Meta took down three Facebook pages affiliated with SMNI, including from DZAR 1026 citing "expressing hatred or contempt for a group of people and using harmful racial stereotypes" that violated Meta's community standards.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-03-18 |title=JUST IN {{!}} Meta has simultaneously suspended the SMNI News page and its affiliates, DZAR 1026 and SMNI Integrated News |url=https://smninewschannel.com/just-in-meta-has-simultaneously-suspended-the-smni-news-page-and-its-affiliates-dzar-1026-and-smni-integrated-news/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR35yixkRN7I-ZcDJpPctY8IQ4Dv7OoZ6HuyKtKZVTdJuISn-ASfRSdKwbY_aem_SsZwNRkCLQoAUhUSutFh7w |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=SMNI NEWS CHANNEL |language=en-US}} As of now, several Facebook pages of SMNI News programs remain active.

=House franchise probe=

On 28 November 2023, the Philippine House Committee on Legislative Franchises launched an investigation on SMNI, following a report claimed by Laban Kasama ang Bayan co-host Jeffrey Celiz about travel expenses allocated to House Speaker Martin Romualdez where he spent {{Philippine peso|1.8 billion|link=yes}}. Quezon 2nd District Representative David Suarez called the report "fake news".{{cite news |last1=Lalu |first1=Gabriel Pabico |title=House to probe SMNI on claim Romualdez spent P1.8B on trips |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1867188/house-to-probe-smni-over-claim-speaker-spent-p1-8b-for-trips-in-1-year |access-date=1 December 2023 |work=Inquirer.net |date=28 November 2023}} The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) also flagged SMNI, Celiz and co-host Lorraine Badoy for violating its Code of Ethics even when they were unaccredited broadcasters.{{cite news |last1=Chi |first1=Cristina |title=SMNI flagged for allowing non-KBP accredited broadcasters to go on air |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/12/01/2315639/smni-flagged-allowing-non-kbp-accredited-broadcasters-go-air |access-date=5 December 2023 |work=Philstar.com |date=1 December 2023}}{{cite news|last1=Gulla|first1=Vivienne |title=Mga kinulong na SMNI hosts planong iapela ang contempt order|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/12/07/23/mga-kinulong-na-smni-hosts-planong-iapela-ang-contempt-order|access-date=7 December 2023|work=ABS-CBN News |date=8 December 2023}}

SMNI faced legal scrutiny following the investigation, including the revocation of its congressional franchise. PBA Partylist Representative Margarita Nograles filed a resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to suspend the broadcast operations of SMNI for allegedly violating its franchise's terms and conditions.{{cite news |last1=Tolentino |first1=Reina |title=Lawmaker seeks suspension of SMNI television network |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/12/05/news/lawmaker-seeks-suspension-of-smni-television-network/1922867 |access-date=5 December 2023 |work=The Manila Times |date=5 December 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Archangel |first1=Xianne |title=NTC urged to suspend SMNI's operations for alleged franchise violations |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/12/4/ntc-smni-alleged-franchise-violations.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205082420/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/12/4/ntc-smni-alleged-franchise-violations.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 5, 2023 |access-date=5 December 2023 |work=CNN Philippines |date=4 December 2023}}

==Suspension of operations==

On 21 December 2023, the NTC, in response to the House resolution, announced that it had issued two days earlier a 30-day suspension order on the broadcast operations of SMNI for alleged violations of its franchise, as well as a show cause order against the media network, giving them 15 days from receipt of the order to provide explanation on why it should not be administratively sanctioned.{{cite news |title=NTC suspends SMNI operations for 30 days |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/12/21/NTC-suspends-SMNI-operations-for-30-days.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221065102/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/12/21/NTC-suspends-SMNI-operations-for-30-days.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |date=21 December 2023 |work=CNN Philippines |access-date=21 December 2023}}{{cite news |last=Sarao |first=Zacarian |title=NTC suspends SMNI operations for 30 days |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1878035/ntc-suspends-smni-operations-for-30-days |date=21 December 2023 |work=Inquirer.net |access-date=21 December 2023}}

SMNI later filed motions, urging three NTC officials to inhibit from its administrative case due to perceived bias,{{cite news |last=Llemit |first=Ralph Lawrence |title=SMNI files motion to inhibit NTC execs |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/story/davao/smni-files-motion-to-inhibit-ntc-execs |date=4 January 2024 |newspaper=SunStar |access-date=23 January 2024}} and asking the NTC to specify and detail their violations;{{cite news |last=Casilao |first=Joahna Lei |title=SMNI appeals case before NTC, MTRCB |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/893808/smni-appeals-case-before-ntc-mtrcb/story/ |date=11 January 2024 |work=GMA News Online |access-date=23 January 2024}} the latter request was denied. On 22 January 2024, the suspension was made indefinite by the NTC citing the network's failure to comply with an earlier order.{{cite news |last=Cariaso |first=Bella |title=NTC makes 30-day SMNI suspension indefinite |url=https://qa.philstar.com/headlines/2024/01/23/2327810/ntc-makes-30-day-smni-suspension-indefinite |date=23 January 2024 |newspaper=The Philippine Star |access-date=23 January 2024}}{{cite news |last=Gulla|first=Vivienne|title=NTC orders SMNI to cease and desist operations pending final resolution of case|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/23/24/ntc-orders-smni-to-stop-operations-pending-case-resolution|date=23 January 2024 |work=ABS-CBN News |access-date=23 January 2024}}

At the time of issuance of the first order, the network had 13 radio stations (10 in AM, three in FM), 14 television stations, and 22 digital terrestrial television stations.{{cite news |last=Begas |first=Billy |title=NTC Slaps SMNI With 30-Day Suspension; Hearing Set For January |url=https://politiko.com.ph/2023/12/21/ntc-slaps-smni-with-30-day-suspension-hearing-set-for-january/headlines/ |date=21 December 2023 |work=Politiko |access-date=21 December 2023}}

==Franchise revocation attempt==

On 12 March 2024, the Philippine House Committee on Legislative Franchises, headed by the committee chair Gustavo Tambunting, approved House Bill No. 9710 (filed by 1-Rider Partylist Representative Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez) without amendments. The bill seeks to abrogate the franchise given to Sonshine Media Network International for several violations found by lawmakers.{{cite news |last1= Lalu|first1=Gabriel |title=House panel approves bill revoking SMNI franchise|url= https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1917490/house-panel-approves-bill-revoking-smni-franchise|access-date=March 12, 2024 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 12, 2024}} Eight days later, the Committee approved the bill on third and final reading; the bill is waiting for Senate approval. If signed into law by President Bongbong Marcos, it will repeal Republic Act No. 11422, which extended the franchise granted to Swara Sug under RA 8122.{{cite news |last1= Cruz|first1=RG |title=House of Representatives revokes SMNI franchise|url= https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/3/20/house-of-representatives-revokes-smni-franchise-1850|access-date=March 21, 2024 |publisher= ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs|date=March 20, 2024}}

=Relationship with other media outlets=

In November 2019, one of his daily comedic discussions following a performance by Gian Magdangal on Tawag ng Tanghalan: Celebrity Champions, Vice Ganda made a joke after the founder of Kingdom of Jesus Christ, Apollo Quiboloy, among other claims of being responsible for stopping calamities, claimed that he was responsible for stopping the 2019 Cotabato earthquakes. Vice Ganda jokingly challenged Quiboloy to stop the airing of It's Showtime, which is one of the longest-running ABS-CBN television programs alongside FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, and the constant traffic on EDSA, a major road network in Metro Manila. Members of Quiboloy's church took offense and expressed their dismay for Vice Ganda.{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2019/11/05/1966262/vice-ganda-challenges-quiboloy-stop-ang-probinsyano-edsa-traffic|title=Vice Ganda challenges Quiboloy to stop 'Ang Probinsyano,' EDSA traffic|author=Jan Milo Severo|publisher=Philstar.com|date=November 5, 2019|access-date=July 14, 2020}} Radio broadcaster and SMNI anchor, Mike Abe, a friend of Quiboloy, defended the founder and criticized Vice heavily in his program.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/147356/broadcaster-calls-out-vice-ganda-napakayabang-pastor-quiboloy-a718-20191106|title=Broadcaster calls out Vice Ganda over "napakayabang" comment against Pastor Quiboloy |author=Arniel C. Serato|publisher=Philippine Entertainment Portal|date=November 6, 2019|access-date=July 14, 2020}} Two days after the joke, Quiboloy instead threatened that he will not only stop FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, but also to shutdown ABS-CBN as a whole within four months. The network went off-air in 2020 in a controversial franchise denial by the legislature,{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2019/11/11/1967906/quiboloy-accepts-vice-gandas-challenge-praises-eat-bulaga|title=Quiboloy accepts Vice Ganda's challenge, praises 'Eat Bulaga'|author=Jan Milo Severo|publisher=Philstar.com|date=November 11, 2019|access-date=July 14, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1232572/abs-cbns-franchise-expires-on-may-4-not-march-30-doj-chief|title=ABS-CBN's franchise expires on May 4, not March 30 — DOJ chief|author=Christia Marie Ramos|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=February 24, 2020|access-date=July 14, 2020}} an act that was seen by Quiboloy and his followers as the fulfillment of his previous remarks against the comedian.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2020/05/26/2016667/quiboloy-says-vice-ganda-prophesied-abs-cbn-ang-probinsyano-stop|title=Quiboloy says Vice Ganda prophesied ABS-CBN, 'Ang Probinsyano' to stop|author=Jan Milo Severo|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=May 26, 2020|access-date=July 14, 2020}}

During the airing of SMNI's Laban Kasama ang Bayan, its hosts Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz and Lorraine Badoy have accused journalists, including Atom Araullo{{cite news

| title = Atom Araullo files P2-million damage suit vs red-taggers Badoy, Celiz

| first = Gaea Katreena

| last = Cabico

| date = September 11, 2023

| newspaper = Philippine Star

| url = https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/11/2295518/atom-araullo-files-p2-million-damage-suit-vs-red-taggers-badoy-celiz}}

and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa,{{cite news

| title = SMNI violates franchise, broadcasting code by red-tagging Ressa, Rappler – MAD

| first = Loreben

| last = Tuquero

| date = October 13, 2022

| newspaper = Rappler

| url = https://www.rappler.com/nation/movement-against-disinformation-smni-violates-franchise-broadcasting-code-red-tagging-maria-ressa/}} and media outlets, such as Bulatlat,{{cite news

| title = Bulatlat calls on SMNI to stop red-tagging

| date = October 14, 2022

| newspaper = Bulatlat

| url = https://www.bulatlat.com/2022/10/14/statement-bulatlat-calls-on-smni-to-stop-red-tagging/}} of being part of the CPP-NPA-NDF. In December 2024, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court ordered Celiz and Badoy to pay Araullo {{FXConvert|PHL|2080000|million|cursign=₱|}} in damage.{{cite news |last1=Buan |first1=Lian |title=Journalist Atom Araullo wins game-changing civil suit vs red taggers |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/journalist-atom-araullo-wins-civil-suit-vs-red-tagging/ |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=RAPPLER |date=13 December 2024}}

=Libel lawsuit=

On 14 May 2024, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed defamation and cyberlibel complaint affidavits with the Quezon City Prosecutors's Office against host Guillermina Barrido and several other SMNI hosts and executives following an interview where Barrido spoke of alleged false accusations that Trillanes persuaded and paid her to be a fake witness against then-President Rodrigo Duterte.{{cite news |last1=Moaje |first1=Marita|title=Ex-senator files libel, cyberlibel raps vs. Duterte supporters|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224703 |access-date=May 15, 2024 |work=Philippine News Agency |date=May 14, 2024}}{{cite news |last1= Cabato|first1=Luisa |title=Trillanes sues Duterte supporters|url= https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1940635/trillanes-sues-duterte-supporters|access-date=May 15, 2024 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=May 15, 2024}}

=Freeze order by the Court of Appeals=

References

{{cite news | title = ACQ KBN granted franchise to open 38 free TV stations | date = December 27, 2003 | publisher = Sun.Star Davao | url = http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2003/12/27/life/acq.kbn.granted.franchise.to.open.38.free.tv.stations.html | access-date = August 21, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930035004/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2003/12/27/life/acq.kbn.granted.franchise.to.open.38.free.tv.stations.html | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | url-status = dead }}
{{cite web | title=Globecast ACQ-KBN satellite channel listing | access-date=November 11, 2005 | url=http://www.globecastwtv.com/ch_kjctv.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051030120417/http://www.globecastwtv.com/ch_kjctv.htm | archive-date=October 30, 2005 | url-status=dead }}