9News to become CNN Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — 9News, the current affairs arm of 9TV and formerly known as Solar News Channel, will again be rebranding itself, but this time as the internationally renowned news network CNN.

A source from the broadcast company confirmed to Philstar.com rumors that viewers will soon have access to CNN Philippines on free television.

A media event announcing the rebranding set for January 2015 is reportedly scheduled this week.

Media Newser, an online community site, earlier reported that the channel's news division will be closely working with the international arm of CNN, which will also be providing original reporting and programming to the local arm.

It also reported that CNN Philippines is looking into hiring news personalities and journalists who have made their mark in the industry.

Once launched, CNN Philippines may find heavy competition from established broadcast news organizations ABS-CBN News Channel and GMA News.

It was only in August this year that Solar Television Network announced that its brand Solar News Channel would officially change its name to 9TV, in an effort to be identified with the defunct RPN 9 channel.

It also aimed to focus its programming on news and information and beef up its weekend programming to cater to more viewers.