Net 25 (capitalized and stylized as NET25) is a Philippine television network owned and operated by the Eagle Broadcasting Corporation. The network is named for its flagship station in Metro Manila, DZEC-TV, which is carried on UHF Channel 25 on analog terrestrial TV and UHF Channel 28 on digital terrestrial TV and has carried by major cable operators in the country. The station's broadcast facilities are located at the EBC Building, #25 Central Ave., New Era, Quezon City.
Net 25 started its operations on July 27, 1999 and was officially launched on April 23, 2000 through a multimedia exhibit dubbed Destination: NET 25.[1]
Net 25 eventually began introducing more original programs such as Spoon, MOMents, and Tribe.[7]
From September 1 until 7, 2009, Net 25 (along with CEBSI-owned GEM TV (now INC TV)) was the only station airing live coverage of the wake and funeral of Iglesia ni Cristo's executive minister Eraño Manalo.[8][9] Prior to this, during the network's news update, then-Net 25 newscaster Eunice Mariño and then-INC spokesperson Bienvenido Santiago announced that Manalo died at the age of 84.[10]
In November 2011, Net 25 introduced a new station ID introducing the tagline Dito na 'ko (I'm Here), which replaced the old tagline Feed Your Mind, signaling Net 25's thrust to appeal to a more mainstream audience.[11]
On January 4, 2014, Net 25 introduced a new station ID with a simple blue text superimposed on a Philippine eagle-inspired logo. [12]
During the week of July 21–27, 2014, Net 25 was the official broadcaster of the Iglesia ni Cristo centennial celebrations. [13]
In July 2015, due to the onslaught of the INC leadership scandals, Net 25 was relaunched with the slogan I Am One With 25 (a secularly-altered version of the code for the INC's Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, I Am One With EVM), for a new slogan of the network in line with its new programming thrusts through its support of the INC's Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo.[14]
On May 6, 2018, Net 25 was the official broadcaster of the INC Worldwide Walk to Fight Poverty charity event. [16]
On October 4, 2020, Net 25 relaunched its logo retaining the "Net 25" 2014 wordmark, changing its color to gold and added the golden Philippine Eagle on the top (later removed in December 2023). At the same time, Net 25 introduced its new programs such as Tagisan ng Galing, Happy Time, Kesayasaya, and EBC Music: #EnjoyMusicBeyondTheCrisis.[17]
On October 31, 2021, Net 25 relaunched again its slogan as Let's Net Together sa Net 25 with a new station jingle and new station ID, re-imaging itself as a station targeting not only Iglesia ni Cristo members, but also a broader audience.[18]
On December 5, 2022, Eric Quizon was tapped by EBC/Net 25 management to become the head of Net 25's newest talent management arm, NET25 Star Center.[20]
Digital television
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Net 25, with the help of GEMNET, had the first digital and full HD coverage of the 2010 Philippine elections via the ISDB-T system through their sister station's frequency, Channel 49. It also offered real-time election results via datacasting. However, the coverage was only available in some areas in the Philippines.[21]
Programming
With its initial partnership with ZDTV (later known as TechTV in 2001), Net 25 was a television station devoted to information technology. It previously carried programs like Call for Help, Fresh Gear, Extended Play, NET Café, Next Step, Computer Chronicle and Audio File.[22] Previously, it also featured programs from DW-TV Germany.
Net 25 has been the official broadcaster of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) religious programs, including Ang Tamang Daan and Ang Mga Nagsialis sa Samahang Ang Dating Daan, which rebukes and debates claims made against the INC organization by the UNTV 37 programs Ang Dating Daan and Itanong Mo Kay Soriano hosted by Bro. Eli Soriano of the rival religious group Ang Dating Daan. Currently, the INC programs are aired under the unofficial INC-TV on Net 25 block.[23]
NET25 News and Information (formerly known as Net 25 Integrated News and Current Affairs, Eagle News and Net 25 Eagle News Service also known as Net 25 News) is the network's official news, information and public affairs division of the whole Eagle Broadcasting Corporation. The Eagle News Service was created in November 2011 in order to compete with the news organizations of three major TV networks. The organization produces news and information content for the flagship TV station Net 25, flagship AM radio station DZEC Radyo Agila 1062 and the network's official online news portal.[34]