Studio 23 - History

History

At a planning session during the mid-1990s, ABS-CBN staff members were plotting out plans for a new UHF channel offering a more "upscale" alternative to the main ABS-CBN. This channel, was Studio 23. In the lead-up to the launch, ABS-CBN acquired the rights to many syndicated US imports, such as Wheel of Fortune and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

The flagship station, DWAC-TV owned by the AMCARA Broadcasting Network, signed on about a month before the launch of Studio 23, simulcasting MTV Asia. Studio 23 was officially launched on October 12, 1996, but as a timeshare with MTV Asia aired during the daytime, with Studio 23 programming taking over in the primetime hours. The first program aired on launch night was the movie The Bodyguard. Two days later on October 14, 1996, News 23 premiered, Studio 23's news program produced by ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs. On January 1, 2001, ABS-CBN severed their ties with MTV Asia, and Studio 23 gained total control of DWAC-TV. MTV moved to DWNB-TV after the change and relaunched as MTV Philippines. In 2003, Studio 23 had simulcasted with ABS-CBN Channel 2 and it lasted within a few months.

Studio 23's programming has evolved from being "upscale" (as suggested by their previous slogan as the "Premium Network"), to aimed more at the youth and young adult demographics. The network still airs a multitude of US imports, but Studio 23 also airs original programming, such as spinoffs and supplemental programming for shows aired on the main ABS-CBN network, such as Pinoy Dream Academy and Pinoy Big Brother. The network has won numerous awards from various groups, such as a silver medal in the Print category at the 2006 Promax Awards. Its flagship program, the talk show Y Speak, has also won numerous awards and accolades. In 2010, The network rebranding its network from English to Taglish/Tagalog used in 2004.