Media firm ABS-CBN, entertainment company Kroma, and corporate venture builder 917Ventures have partnered to bring "tradigital" viewing to Filipinos through PIE Channel, which will officially launch in May 2022.
In a press release by Globe Telecom, it said that PIE Channel is the Philippines' first real-time and multi-screen interactive channel. PIE, or Pinoy Interactive Entertainment, provides Filipinos with a digital upgrade to their traditional media consumption habits. It will enable them to watch TV shows, participate in all-day contests, build a following, and even steer the plot of a teleserye across multiple screens such as television sets, laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.
On PIE, the audience is not merely a passive audience but a highly involved community that participates actively in storytelling, game shows, and conversation shows.
Kroma Entertainment CEO Ian Monsod said that "Filipinos long for collective fun, and PIE hopes to fill that gap."
PIE is reviving the old game show "Pera o Bayong" with an interactive style and hourly prizes for fans at home. Additionally, it is launching the country's first interactive television series, "UZI," and a reality show, "Palong Follow," in which viewers collaborate to discover the Philippines' next major digital content producer.
Moreover, the channel features an interesting lineup of shows that invite viewers to participate and own: "Ekstra Ordinaryo," "Playlist Natin," and "Bida Body Part."
917Ventures managing director Vince Yamat said that their goal is "to continue bringing pioneering digital solutions to Filipinos, especially as the pandemic lingers."
"[W]ith PIE, we want to bring our kababayans an entertainment experience they can share." added Yamat.
Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN network chief operating officer of broadcast, said the company's entry into PIE demonstrates the organization's strengthened digital pivot.
Vidanes shared that "ABS-CBN is committed to bringing innovative content to as many Filipinos as possible."
Vidanes also noted that the TV network had been engaging audiences more through a stronger digital presence and collaboration with various groups in recent years. ABS-CBN's partnership with PIE is a significant step in that direction, and they're looking forward to engaging with Kapamilya fans in a whole new way.
This month saw the start of PIE's test broadcast. Its ground-breaking kind of entertainment will also be available to the public on YouTube 21/7. It will be accessible to about 11 million households in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Naga, and Baguio, as well as 85 million digitally connected Filipinos, starting May 2022.
To find PIE, you may rescan your digital TV receiver or digibox.
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To know more updates about PIE Channel, you can follow PIE (@iamPIEofficial) on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, or visit its official website (pie.com.ph).