Radio Philippines Network

Early years (1960–1972)

Radio Philippines Network was founded on February 25, 1960, by James Lindenberg, who is also credited as the founder of ABS-CBN. RPN was officially established when the Congress of the Philippines approved its franchise on June 19, 1960.

RPN initially operated as a radio network, with its first station, DZBI, based in Manila. By 1967, RPN had expanded to seven radio stations nationwide; these included DZRR and DZAX in Manila, DZBS in Baguio, DZTG in Tuguegarao, DZRL in Laoag (later relocated to Batac), DXXX in Zamboanga, and DXDX in Barangay Dadiangas. Ben Aniceto served as operations director of RPN during this time.

In the late 1960s, Lindenberg sold the network to Roberto Benedicto. The network rebranded itself as the Kanlaon Broadcasting System (KBS)—named after Mount Kanlaon on the island of Negros, Benedicto's hometown. On October 15, 1969, the network launched its flagship television station, KBS-9 Manila. KBS-12 Baguio followed later that year.

KBS's initial properties and equipment came from ABS-CBN, including its old headquarters and studios on Roxas Boulevard, along with Toshiba equipment that enabled color broadcasting. As a result, KBS was branded as Accucolor 9, becoming the first Philippine television network to broadcast in full color.

In 1970, KBS acquired a color-capable OB van (outside broadcast van) for remote broadcasts of major events, including news and sports coverage. The network also launched the series NewsWatch, replacing the short-lived program KBS Eyewitness Reports. During this period, broadcast hours were limited to late afternoons through around midnight, Monday through Saturday, with transmissions starting after midday on Sundays.