ABC 5 acknowledged the loss of the Philippine Idol franchise to GMA-7.
In a statement sent by ABC 5 senior vice-president for corporate affairs Teresa Daffon to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), she conceded that it was hard to agree to the terms being set by Fremantle during its contract negotiations.
"We wanted Philippine Idol on our own terms, or not at all. Fremantle has apparently found what they think is a better deal," she said in her statement.
Last September 3, PEP reported about the transfer of the franchise to GMA-7.
Daffon admitted that discussions for the second season slowed down when ABC 5 Chairman Tonyboy Cojuangco was receiving medical treatment in the U.S.
She pointed out that the Kapuso network was in a better position to make a better offer. GMA-7 has another Fremantle show, Celebrity Duets, currently being aired.
She was happy and upset at the same time that ABC 5 was doing something right. She pointed that in a June 2006 statement, GMA-7 had announced, ‘We don't need to buy a foreign franchise and get other people's ideas.'"
Daffon pointed out that ABC 5 introduced one of the first franchise formats. "We're just being true to what has been our role in the TV industry from the start. To break new ground. To set new trends. To be the innovator."
The ABC 5 executive believes that Freemantle made a business decision. Freemantle has targeted Asia for its expansion and that the Philippines has become a lucrative place for their franchises.
"ABS-CBN has Endemol, so GMA has to have its counterpart. And who else but Fremantle and the jewel in the crown—the Idol Franchise," she said in her statement.
Philippine Idol was launched by ABC 5 in June last year. Auditions were held at SM Malls and in various locations nationwide.
The reality show on ABC 5 was not without controversy. It began live airing in September 2006 with 24 semi-finalists that would be trimmed down to 12 finalists. But, the judge's bets in the semi-final rounds did not make it. Gian Magdangal and Mau Marcelo had to go through a wild-card phase to enter the final 12 weeks.
The show had a good following but suffered in the ratings game and in advertisement placement. There were people texting in their votes but advertisers were few and wary to place spots on the show.
It is not known if the Idol version of GMA-7 will recognize Mau Marcelo as the first Philippine Idol. It has been rumored though that runner-up Jan Nieto has already signed up with the Kapuso network. Second runner-up Gian Magdangal was already seen on SOP a week after Philippine Idol concluded.
Ryan Agoncillo served as the host of the singing tilt. Judges were Francis Magalona, Pilita Coralles, and Ryan Cayabyab. ABC 5 also broadcast American Idol on free TV.
