The Channel Six Project

The Channel Six Project was a project by Mega Broadcasting Corporation that started on January 21, 1969 in an attempt to establish public television networks in the Philippines, by establishing it on channel 6.

Out of the three channels that was launched by the network, Empire Six Television was the longest-running television station. The project ended on November 5, 1981, three days after Empire Television went on the air.

Station Six (1973-1976)
Main article: Station Six

Station Six launched its ten-day test broadcasts on December 11-21, 1968. It was officially launched on January 21, 1969, providing educational programming that includes documentaries, student-produced programming and current affairs. It was funded by the government and the public.

However on September 23, 1972, when martial law was declared by President-turned dictator Ferdinand Marcos, the station was closed. They relaunched the station on November 22, 1972, returning with a variety of programs, such as educational programs, children's shows, music programs, comedy, and dramas.

On November 1976, they announced that they were being replaced by Islands Six Television, an upcoming television station that targets the youth. They aired a live special program at December 31, 1976 at 7:00 pm, signing off with its station ID and a new year's message. After a few minutes, the screen cuts to a Philips PM5544 color test card.

Islands Six Television (1976-1981)
Islands Six Television replaced Station Six after several employees agreed to replace the television station. They divided the station into two separate channels, Northern Six Television (nicknamed The Blue Television) which broadcasts at the northern half of the Philippines, and Southern Six Television (nicknamed The Yellow Television) which covers the southern half of the Philippines.

They launched on December 31, 1976 at 9:50 pm, just a few hours after Station Six's final sign-off, starting with a new years message and its station identification. The channel aired several movies and a series of short films, followed by a launch night at 11:30 pm. Their first broadcast ended at approximately 1:15 a.m. on January 1, 1977. ISTV signs on every 8:30 am, and signs off at 10:00 pm.