DOTC reiterates rules on mandatory taping of radio and TV programs
Tacloban City — As the election fever starts to pervade the Philippine atmosphere, the National Telecommunications Commission, has reiterated the rules and regulations on mandatory taping of radio and television programs.
This is pursuant to NTC’s supervisory, adjudicatory and regulatory functions over radio and television broadcasting stations and cable television stations.
National Telecommunications Commission Circular No. 05-06-2008 provides that all Talk Shows, Live Phone in Calls, Live Interviews, Public Affairs Programs, Public Service Programs, News Analysis, Editorials, Commentaries, Documentaries, Magazine Types or Counseling Programs, in all radio and television stations shall be recorded or taped.
Cable TV stations which produce and air content or programs similar to those mention earlier shall likewise tape and record said programs.
All radio, television and CATV stations shall retain the tape and recording and preserve them for a period of ten days, unless a longer period is required by the Commission.
Any aggrieved party who has a complaint against any radio or television or CATV station pertaining the content and who intends to file an action before the regular courts and wishes to obtain a copy of the taped or recorded program, may file a written request with the NTC.
The NTC Commissioner or any duly designated NTC official may direct the concerned station to preserve the tape or recording for thirty more days from the receipt of the order, unless the circumstances warrant a longer period.
Such tapes or recordings shall be made available to the aggrieved party or to any other person only upon order of the court.
Non-compliance with and violation of this Circular shall warrant the imposition of penalties and sanctions. For the first offense, the penalty or fine in the amount of P5,000. For the second offense, the sanction is fine and suspension of the licenses and permits.
Subsequent offenses will meet a fine or suspension or revocation of licenses and permits. (PIA 
