In the advent of information technology, radio was demoted to a seemingly old and tired medium. For the past few decades, people have witnessed how fast technology evolves, leaving less room for this traditional medium. Access to information has become more convenient through the birth of new forms of media—cellular phones, satellite and digital television and the Internet, to name a few. Needless to say, the downward trend in the listenership survey of AM radio in particular, proved that the ill-fated radio is nearly in extinction.

But some optimists say, “Radio may be old but it is still alive—and evolving.”

Sometime in 2005, ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III and Manila Radio Head Peter Musngi talked about the eventual migration of ABS-CBN to digital terrestrial TV. Since the initial plan was to target the C-D-E market, DZMM and 101.9 For Life! had to be included in the bundle. At first it started as a discussion about the “audio service” per se, until they started joking about putting a webcam inside the DZMM booth so that it could be seen on TV. And so, the idea of putting a camera inside the radio booth was born.

Mr. Musngi enthusiastically brought the idea to MRD Mancom, trying to explain how the radio industry could be saved through this revolutionary break-through. But in return, he received puzzled looks. Lacking enough manpower and equipment, putting such a set-up seemed to be unattainable. But the obsession persisted, and after a series of tedious meetings, all roads still led to DZMM Teleradyo.

Through the leadership of Program and Production Services Head Marah Capuyan and DZMM Station Manager Angelo Palmones, the MRD Mancom maximized its available resources to save AM radio from its despair and breathe new life into its otherwise downward spiral.

Months before its formal launching, DZMM Teleradyo started its test broadcast within the offices of ABS-CBN, and in San Fernando, Pampanga as well. It was on April 12, 2007 that the “once was but a dream” finally came to its realization with DZMM Teleradyo’s pilot broadcast in various cable TV channels. This brave transformation gathered support not only from viewers but from advertisers as well.

Everyone was delighted, most especially the DZMM followers, at the chance to see their favorite anchors deliver news and commentaries radio-style. This allowed a more significant connection between the anchors and their “listeners” as they not only are able to hear them, they are able to see them as well; specially those who call-in during the programs. The on-screen component also allows them to see their greetings and comments through the SMS (text) messages that appear on the TeleRadyo screen.

Everybody had to adjust to this new format.

One of the biggest adjustments is that Radyo Patrol Reporters now incorporate visuals in their reporting. At first, they utilized MMS technology: still photos were shown on-screen while they gave their report. It was in November 2007 that the 3G mobile technology was fully utilized: during the coverage of the Glorietta 2 Explosion in Makati. Through the efforts of the Teleradyo technical staff and the help of MRD control room personnel, the first broadcast using live video took place. With Radyo Patrol reporters on site annotating the incident for radio listeners, live video was seen by the viewers of Teleradyo. The coverage was historical; DZMM was the first to air videos from the vicinities of the mall and the blast site as well. From then on, a number of important events and special projects were covered using 3G and MMS. Even through Teleradyo, DZMM proved that it is always, “Una sa Balita, Una sa Public Service!”

DZMM Teleradyo has also reached our Kapamilyas around the world through www.abs-cbnnow.com.

DZMM Teleradyo creates awareness for millions of Filipinos in the country and across the globe, be it on cable TV, mobile phone or the internet. Aside from the information that it provides through its audio output, one may, from time-to-time, glance at the headlines and breaking news that appear on the screen. Other bits of information that are made available by Teleradyo are the weather forecast, currency exchange, sports news and public service announcements. DZMM Teleradyo is now tagged as, “nangungunang radyo sa telebisyon.”

Yes, radio may be an old medium, but it remains the fastest and the most accessible source of information. And with the birth of DZMM Teleradyo, radio proves that it is still alive, that it can evolve, and that it has.