There are four nationwide telephone networks, including the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, run mainly by the private sector, with services concentrated in urban areas. Overseas communications operate via satellites and undersea cables. In 2000 there were 3.1 million mainline telephones and6.5 million cellular phones nationwide. Radio and television are operated by both government agencies and private concerns. Radio transmitting stations numbered 656 (366 AM and 290 FM) in 2002, and there were 75 television stations in 2000. In 2000, there were 161 radios and 144 television sets per 1,000 population. In 2001, there were about 33 Internet service providers serving 2 million subscribers.
In 2002 there were about 50 major daily newspapers, as compared with six during the Marcos era. The following are among the leading dailies published in metropolitan Manila (with estimated 2002 circulation):
LANGUAGE | CIRCULATION | |
People Tonight | English/Filipino | 500,000 |
Abante | English/Filipino | 350,000 |
Ang Filipino Ngayon | Filipino | 286,450 |
Philippine Star | English | 275,000 |
Manila Bulletin | English | 265,000 |
Philippine Daily Inquirer | English | 250,000 |
Tempo | English/Filipino | 230,000 |
People's Journal | English/Filipino | 219,000 |
Manila Times | English | 194,000 |
Malaya | English | 175,000 |
Balita Filipino | 151,000 |
Under martial law, censorship of the press, radio, and television was imposed by the Marcos government. Many reporters, editors, and publishers were arrested during this period. Censorship was revoked under the Aquino administration. However, there are reports of threats, assaults, and killings of journalists who report on illegal activities such as gambling, logging, prostitution, and the drug trade among powerful individuals or groups, especially outside Manila.
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