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 Logo used since October 27, 2002 | |
| Type |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Philippines |
| Affiliates | List of GMA Network stations |
| Headquarters | GMA Network Center, EDSA corner Timog Avenue, Diliman,Quezon City,Metro Manila,Philippines |
| Programming | |
| Languages | Filipino (main) English (secondary) |
| Picture format | 16:9480i (SDTV) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | GMA Network Inc. |
| Key people |
|
| Sister channels | |
| History | |
| Founded | March 1, 1950; 75 years ago (1950-03-01) |
| Launched |
|
| Founder | Robert "Uncle Bob" Stewart |
| Former names |
|
| Links | |
| Webcast | Live streaming (Philippine users only) |
| Website | www.gmanetwork.com |
GMA Network (an acronym of its legal name,Global Media Arts and commonly known asGMA) is aPhilippine commercialbroadcast network, serving as the flagship property of publicly tradedGMA Network Inc.. The network is headquartered in theGMA Network Center inQuezon City and its transmitter facilities,Tower of Power, are located at Tandang Sora Avenue, Barangay Culiat also in Quezon City, with regional stations and offices located in over twelve major cities across the country includingDagupan,Bacolod,Iloilo,Cebu andDavao. GMA Network (formerly known asRepublic Broadcasting System,GMA Radio-Television Arts andGMA Rainbow Satellite Network) is commonly referred to as theKapuso Network in reference to the outline of the company's logo; the branding was introduced on October 27, 2002, during an episode of its now-defunct Sunday noontime variety show,SOP.[1]
The original meaning of the GMA acronym wasGreater Manila Area, referring to the initial coverage area of the station. As the network expanded, it changed into Global Media Arts. GMA Network is one of the largest television and media network in the Philippines. GMA's first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961, as Republic Broadcasting System (RBS) on DZBB Channel 7, almost a decade after the success of its radio stationDZBB. It is the first television network in the Philippines to formally launch in anamorphic widescreen format.
Today, the flagshiptelevision station of GMA isDZBB-TV (GMA-7 Manila), which carries VHF Channel 7 for analog transmission, with Channel 15 served as a permanent assigned digital frequency. As such, the network is informally referred to as "Channel 7" or "siete" (Spanish for "seven"), even though the network is seen in other channel numbers elsewhere in the country. In addition to DZBB-TV, the network operates across the Philippine archipelago through the GMA Regional TV department, which has six originating stations, six semi-satellite stations and 39 relay stations nationwide. Its programming is also available outside the Philippines through the Philippine pay television channelsGMA Pinoy TV,GMA Life TV andGMA News TV which is available through satellite and cable TV systems worldwide. Since 2013, the network has been testingdigital terrestrial television broadcasts using the Latin American standardISDB-T International, in select areas in the Philippines.
The origin of GMA Network can be traced back to Loreto F. de Hemedes Inc. throughDZBB,[2] which started airing its radio broadcast on March 1, 1950, and officially launched as a local radio station inManila on June 14, 1950, and owned byRobert La Rue "Uncle Bob" Stewart, an American war correspondent.[3] Venturing into television in the 1960s, Stewart started RBS TV Channel 7 (under the call lettersDZBB-TV) on October 29, 1961, becoming the Philippines' fourth terrestrial television station. Originally, RBS's programming was composed of foreign programs from the United States and it later produced local programs to cater to Filipino audiences. It produced shows likeUncle Bob's Lucky Seven Club, a child-oriented show aired every Saturdays;Dance Time with Chito; and various news programs likeNews at Seven. In 1963, RBS launched its first provincial television station in Cebu,DYSS Channel 7 (now GMA Cebu).
On September 21, 1972, thenPresidentFerdinand Marcos declaredmartial law by the virtue ofProclamation 1081.[4] Marcos, ruling by decree, curtailed press freedom and other civil liberties; closed downthe Congress and media establishments including RBS. In December 1972, RBS was given the green light by the government to return on the air, however with limited three-month permits. Programming during that time was supplied mostly via a blocktime agreement with Philippine Production Center Inc. (PPCI), a company led by formerABS-CBN executiveRomeo Jalosjos. But due to limited licenses, difficulty in financial obligations, and disallowing foreign citizens and entities from owning and operating media companies in thePhilippines, Stewart and theAmerican Broadcasting Company, which owned 25% of the company, were forced to cede majority control to a triumvirate composed ofGilberto Duavit Sr., a Malacañang official; Menardo Jimenez, an accountant; andFelipe Gozon, an attorney of the Stewarts in 1974. The station changed its name to GMA Radio-Television Arts (GMA stood forGreater Manila Area, the station's initial coverage area) and also renamed its corporate name as Republic Broadcasting System, Inc. on May 28, 1974, until 1996.[5] Stewart's wife Loreto was the president when the takeover ensued.[6][7][8] The relaunched GMA, aside from sporting a light blue square logo with the network name in white, also (until 1980) had acircle 7 logo in use, in its final years the blue circle 7 logo used was similar to those used by the ABC in some United States cities.
After that, Rod Reyes, then-general manager of RBS, recruited old-timers from ABS-CBN, including those from its news and entertainment divisions. After the Duavit-Jimenez-Gozon takeover, the station began to broadcast in color with an₱8 million credit line thru buying telecine machines and acquired foreign programs. Ratings were up from #5 to #3 that time.[8]
During martial law under theMarcos regime, GMA managed to broadcast the funeral of senatorNinoy Aquino, a public opposition leader who wasassassinated in August 1983, the only local network to do so.[3] In 1984,Imee Marcos, daughter of Ferdinand Marcos, attempted to take over GMA.[3][7] However, the takeover was prevented by the network executives. Stewart left the country for good as a result. The network played an instrumental role during the years preceding thePeople Power Revolution. They were the first to air an interview withCorazon Aquino in 1984, as well as when she announced her intention to run for presidency once she receives one million signatures.[3] During the People Power Revolution, the network was also the first to report thatFidel Ramos andJuan Ponce Enrile broke away from the Marcos administration. GMA's rivalABS-CBN reopened in September 1986 and convinced key people to transfer networks includingFreddie M. Garcia along with key people from the network's Marketing and Engineering departments.[3]
The People Power Revolution enabled previously closed down television stations to air again. However, the political instability during Aquino's term added burden to the network, most notably when it was stormed by rebel soldiers for two days as a part of an attempted coup against the Aquino administration. In 1987, the network broadcast its programs for the first time in full stereo, the firstVHF television network to do so in the country. Additionally,Broadway Centrum opened, and in 1988, they also inaugurated the 777 feet (237 m), 120 kWTower of Power inQuezon City, the tallest man-made structure in the country.[9]
In 1992, thePhilippine Congress passed a law granting the network to operate for another 25 years. The network then targeted international reach in the 1990s. Through its relay stations, GMA programs were seen across the country as well asSoutheast Asia. GMA programming started airing in 60 American cities and parts of South America through the International Channel Network.[citation needed]
GMA was selected to be the official broadcaster for the 1995World Youth Day, whenPope John Paul II visited the country again. During the same year, popular TV showsEat Bulaga! andOkay Ka, Fairy Ko! began broadcasting on GMA afterTAPE Inc., the programs' production company, refused anABS-CBN proposal to buy the airing rights of the two shows. Around the same time, the network launched aUHF channel subsidiary,Citynet 27, several new shows (including weekly late-night showBubble Gang), as well as the late night news programSaksi. The network also adapted the700 Club series asThe 700 Club Asia.
In 1994, GMA founded its own film production company, Cinemax Studios (renamed to GMA Films in 1998, thenGMA Pictures in 2019) for the filmRun Barbi Run, marking the second film production studio owned by another network afterStar Cinema (founded in 1993 by ABS-CBN). In 1998, the company produced thebiopic filmJosé Rizal, then the most expensive Filipino film produced, and had a successful run, garnering many accolades and nominations from award-giving bodies.
GMA formally changed its corporate name in 1996 to GMA Network Inc., with the acronym 'GMA' now standing forGlobal Media Arts. In 1999, GMA aired theFilipino language television news programGMA Network News, originally an English language newscast, then a rarity in Philippine television.
GMA was the first Philippine broadcaster to receive aPeabody Award for Investigative Reporting in 1999.[10] Later, Citynet 27 became EMC, the first local music video-oriented TV channel, which became part of the short-livedChannel V franchise calledChannel V Philippines. GMA broadcast the international millennium television special2000 Today. The network then began airing 24-hour broadcasting until theNational Telecommunications Commission (NTC) released and implemented a new set of rules and regulations with its affiliated free-to-air TV networks in 2001.
In October 2000, Menardo Jimenez officially announced his retirement as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the network beginning December 6 of the same year, withFelipe Gozon assumed his office in concurrent capacity as the board chairman of the network, while Duavit Sr.'s son Gilberto "Jimmy" Duavit Jr. was appointed by GMA Network's Board of Directors as Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company.[11]
On May 1, 2001, GMA news reporters Michael Fajatin,Jiggy Manicad andArnold Clavio were injured during theEDSA III riots initiated by the Pro-Estrada groups, who were seen as hostile to news media.[12][13][14]
GMA officially revealed its present logo and image during an episode of Sunday noontime showSOP on October 27, 2002.[15] The following year,Saksi won aNew York Television Festival Gold Medal for its newscast, the first Filipino news program to do so. This win, along with the Peabody Award in 1999, earned the network a commendation from theHouse of Representatives later that year. On September 1, 2003, GMA withdrew its membership from theKapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP),[16] after various issues and incidents involving its news talents and the cable firmSky Cable's alleged distortion of GMA's signal on its system, among other factors. The network premiered several programs in 2004:24 Oras (a newscast),[17]Reporter's Notebook (a documentary),[18]Pinoy Pop Superstar (a singing search),Mulawin (a fantasy series) andKapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (a magazine show).[19]
In 2005, subsidiary Citynet signed an agreement withZOE Broadcasting Network. From 2005 to 2019, ZOE's flagship stationDZOE-TV Channel 11, went on air as Quality TeleVision (QTV), later reformatted as the GMA News TV, and now known asGTV onDWDB-TV Channel 27. The network planned to offer itsinitial public offering; however, the plan was delayed due to political instability duringArroyo's administration, among other factors.[20] In 2007, the network announced its initial public offering after several setbacks.[21][22]
In 2006,Debate with Mare at Pare, a late-night public affairs program, won the bronze medal at theNew York Television Festival. The network was also praised for its coverage on theWowoweestampede by local publications.[citation needed] An exclusive interview byMike Enriquez to PresidentGloria Macapagal Arroyo after the lifting of thestate of national emergency was allowed by GMA to be aired by other networks without prior consent, and was also similarly praised including the president herself. In April of the same year, GMA founder Robert Stewart died while in theUnited States. The network supported and documented the successful attempt of mountain climberRomi Garduce to reach the summit ofMount Everest, only the third Filipino to do so.
The network started producing local adaptation oftelevision franchises from other countries, starting fromCelebrity Duets: Philippine Edition withFremantleMedia. They later produced local adaptations of the telenovelaMarimar, sci-fi actionZaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan, quiz showKakasa Ka Ba sa Grade 5?, and game showWhammy! Push Your Luck. The network announced in 2007 that they would also adapt theIdol franchise. Since an earlier adaptation of the franchise was made byAssociated Broadcasting Company (ABC) (under the namePhilippine Idol), the new adaptation would be transferred to GMA under the new namePinoy Idol.[23]
In 2008 and 2009, GMA produced a diverse set of shows for its primetime block by airing several adaptations ofCarlo J. Caparas andMars Ravelo works, includingJoaquin Bordado (2008),Dyesebel (2008)Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang (2009),Darna (2009), andTotoy Bato (2009), along with several original shows likeGagambino,Codename: Asero,Luna Mystika, among others. An adaptation of theSurvivor franchise, titledSurvivor Philippines, was also aired, alongside a local Filipino adaptation of a Korean drama, titledAko si Kim Samsoon. GMA's evening newscast24 Oras received two awards in theNew York Television Festival, a gold medal for Best Continuing Coverage, and a silver medal for Best News Program.
In 2010, for the first and second quarters, GMA Network released new soaps and shows includingThe Last Prince,Panday Kids,First Time,Laff En Roll,Diva,Zooperstars,Claudine,Wipeout,Pepito Manaloto,Wachamakulit,Sunnyville,Comedy Bar,Love Bug,Langit sa Piling Mo,Pilyang Kerubin,Endless Love, andDanz Showdown. GMA's long-running programsSiS andSOP were replaced byDiz Iz It! andParty Pilipinas respectively. Their afternoon line-up also marked the return of dramas with original concepts likeKoreana andLittle Star.
In 2011, GMA Network offered an afternoon line-up which includesNita Negrita,Magic Palayok,Alakdana,Sisid,My Lover, My Wife,Kung Aagawin Mo ang Langit, and the remake ofIkaw Lang ang Mamahalin. In the prime-time line-up, GMA releasedI Heart You, Pare!,Dwarfina,Machete,Captain Barbell (a sequel to the2006 series),Munting Heredera, and the historical dramaAmaya.
During the first quarter of 2012, the network offered a line-up of television dramas featuring original concepts in both primetime and afternoon blocks, includingLegacy,Alice Bungisngis and her Wonder Walis,Broken Vow,Biritera,The Good Daughter,My Beloved, andHiram na Puso.[24]
On February 1, 2012, GMA Network signed a three-year deal withFox International Channels which allows locally produced GMA's shows and feature films to air on FOX cable channels. The said deal covers a minimum of 350 hours' worth of programs and 25 feature films. Among the programs delivered to FOX for airing in its Philippine feed are:Encantadia,Darna,Dyesebel,Super Twins,Stairway to Heaven,Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit,Trudis Liit andBabangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita, and news and public affairs shows likeWish Ko Lang,Pinoy Meets World andPinoy Abroad. While the films covered by the deal are:My Best Friend's Girlfriend,When I Met U,Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie,Temptation Island andJosé Rizal.[25]
On February 22, 2012,GMA Films' President Annette Gozon-Abrogar and directorYam Laranas announced that the thriller movieThe Road was commercially released and shown in over 50 theaters across North America and Canada on May 11, 2012, a first for a local Filipino motion picture.[26]
On February 28, 2012, the network announced the retirement of senior vice president for the Entertainment Group,Wilma Galvante. The announcement came about after Galvante officially retired from the network, ending her 19 years of service as entertainment head. GMA Network appointed Lilybeth G. Rasonable as Officer-in-charge of the Entertainment Group. Rasonable has been with the network since 1998 and has served as program manager, assistant vice president, and vice president for drama for the Entertainment Group. Her latest position prior to the appointment has seen her supervising the group's afternoon and primetime teledramas.[27]
In April 2012, GMA Network's president and COOGilberto Duavit Jr. announced that the network hit consolidated revenues at 13.083 billion pesos in 2011. That is despite the absence of 2.054 billion pesos' worth of revenues from political ads generated in 2010 and the global impact of financial crisis in Europe and slow economic recovery in the U.S. in 2011.[28][29]
On October 4, 2012, the network announced the termination of negotiations withMediaQuest Holdings, Inc. (an affiliate ofPhilippine Long Distance Telephone Company) owned by businessman andTV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan.[30] Since the beginning of the year, Mr. Pangilinan had been vocal with his interest to acquire GMA Network, saying that he "talked to them, ... since 2002, and then maybe five years ago."[31] Following the return of the negotiations of GMA Network to the PLDT Group, Manny V. Pangilinan confirming on March 4, 2014, that the offer to buy 34% stake at GMA Network was expired in February of the same year.[32]
In 2013, GMA Network launched a number of shows includingIndio,Forever,Bukod Kang Pinagpala,Unforgettable,Vampire ang Daddy Ko,Mundo Mo'y Akin,Alisto,Love & Lies,Kakambal ni Eliana,Home Sweet Home,Maghihintay Pa Rin,My Husband's Lover,One Day Isang Araw,Sunday All Stars,Binoy Henyo,Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas,Dormitoryo,Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko,Kahit Nasaan Ka Man,Genesis,Katipunan, a remake ofVilla Quintana,Bingit, andAdarna.
On May 5, 2014, GMA Network chairman and CEO, attorney Felipe L. Gozon confirmed the network entered negotiations withSan Miguel Corporation president and COORamon S. Ang.[33] A month after, on June 24, 2014, GMA Network's major stockholders announced it will sell 30% of their equity shares of the network to Ang[34] in his personal capacity. San Miguel Corporation is not involved in Ang's acquisition of the shares. In June 2015, the network, in a disclosure to the securities commission, said that talks with Ramon Ang has bogged down.[35] In that same year, GMA won anotherPeabody Award for its coverage ofTyphoon Haiyan (locally known as Supertyphoon Yolanda).[36]
In April 2015, GMA Network implemented a series of budget cuts towards its regional television stations by terminating at least 200 regional employees, downgrading its originating TV stations inBacolod,Naga,Cagayan de Oro,General Santos andIlocos to 'satellite-selling' or relay TV stations, and cancelling morning shows inCebu,Davao,Iloilo andDagupan, reportedly in order for them to "streamline their operations for increased ratings and revenue".[37] In November of the same year, the network also downgraded its originating station inIloilo City into 'relay-selling' or satellite TV station and cancellingRatsada 24 Oras following the retrenchment of 20 employees from the news department as part of the strategic streamlining undertaken by GMA Network.[38]
In 2016, GMA Network launched another line-up of shows includingWish I May,That's My Amboy,Dear Uge,Lip Sync Battle Philippines,Hanggang Makita Kang Muli,The Millionaire's Wife,Poor Señorita,Yan ang Morning!,Once Again,Juan Happy Love Story,Magkaibang Mundo,Laff Camera Action,A1 Ko Sa 'Yo,Hay, Bahay!,Conan, My Beautician, a new version ofEncantadia,Superstar Duets,Alyas Robin Hood,Hahamakin ang Lahat,Tsuperhero, andIka-6 na Utos.
On April 21, 2017,Philippine PresidentRodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 10925 which renewed GMA Network's license for another 25 years. The law granted GMA Network a franchise to construct, install, operate, and maintain, for commercial purposes, radio broadcasting stations and television stations, including digital television system, with the corresponding facilities such as relay stations, throughout the Philippines.[39][40]
On March 9, 2018, GMA Network launched its new slogan "Buong Puso Para Sa Kapuso" (transl. Wholehearted for the One in Heart) with a new station ID.[41][42] Its short version is used during the top/bottom of the hour in different variants before programs start, as well as during commercial breaks/reminders. It also aired on its sister channel, GMA News TV (now GTV).
On August 27, 2018, GMA regional stations in Iloilo and Bacolod were upgraded again to originating station as GMA Western Visayas following the launch of the new regional news programOne Western Visayas.
On December 14, 2018, GMA Network's founding chairman Atty. Gilberto M. Duavit Sr. died at the age of 84. He was GMA Network's chairman from 1974 to 1976 and sat as one of the network's board of directors in 1977. He rejoined the network's board of directors in 2016 until the time of his death.
On February 22, 2019, the network has announced that they will be investing ₱1 billion for the second phase of theirdigitization project.[43]
On January 1, 2020, GMA Network began the celebration of its 70th anniversary with a variation of its current slogan "Buong Puso Para sa Pilipino", along with their flagship international channelGMA Pinoy TV celebrating its 15th anniversary. Programming line-up for 2020 were revealed, starting withAll-Out Sundays, a local Filipino adaptation of the Korean dramaDescendants of the Sun, a remake of the 1984 Philippine filmAnak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday,Love of My Life, Saturday edition ofWowowin (also dubbed as Wowowin Primetime),Centerstage,Ilaban Natin 'Yan! (which was first known as "Doon Tayo Sa Tama"), and a remake of the 1989 filmBilangin ang Bituin sa Langit. They also revealed future programs likeAlamat ng Agimat,First Yaya,Sanggang Dikit,Legal Wives,Babawiin Ang Lahat (retitled asBabawiin Ko ang Lahat in 2021),Seed of Love,Lolong,Owe My Love,Taiwan and Only,Sing 4 Hearts, andCatch Me Out Philippines.
On March 14, 2020, GMA Network announced the suspension of production of current programs, especially the live shows, due to PresidentRodrigo Duterte implementing anenhanced community quarantine inMetro Manila and Luzon in line with restrictions due to theCOVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Thus, the networkrebroadcast several of their previous drama series. On August 24, 2020, GMA Network resumed production of current programs.[citation needed]
On April 5, 2022, GMA Network announced a deal withABS-CBN Corporation that would allowStar Cinema films to air on GMA's local channels.[44][45]
On November 11, 2022, GMA Network collaborated withABS-CBN,Dreamscape andViu to co-produce a drama series.[46][47]Unbreak My Heart aired from May to November 2023.[48][49][50][51]
On February 27, 2023, GMA Network, along withGTV and the free-to-airGMA Affordabox digital subchannels (Heart of Asia Channel,Hallypop,I Heart Movies and Pinoy Hits) and three pay TV international channels (GMA Pinoy TV andGMA Life TV andGMA News TV International), have switched its airing of aspect ratio format quality on the channel feed and its programming toanamorphic widescreen ratio format (16:9) as announced on February 24 that being converted its mitigation of reception through analog (until end of the year) and digital signal reception through free-to-air television and other cable and satellite providers after more than 61 years on the usage of broadcast video picture resolution that migrated from standard-definition format (4:3).[52]
On December 9, 2023, attorney Felipe L. Gozon, during his 84th birthday celebration atEdsa Shangri-La, Manila, announced his retirement from his position as chief executive officer (CEO) of GMA Network Inc., having replaced by the company's president and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Gilberto Duavit Jr., starting January 1, 2024. Gozon remained as board chairman of the network and becomes an Adviser of the company.[53][54]
On June 28, 2024, GMA Network launched the new station ID and slogan "Isa sa Puso ng Pilipino" (transl. One of the Heart of Filipino) featuring a revised version of the network's 2002 logo.[55] The station ID is played duringsign-on and sign-off activities. A shorter version is aired during commercial breaks.
In January 2025,Super Radyo DZBB anchor and voiceover Weng dela Peña was introduced as the new voiceover of GMA Network replacing Al Torres after over 30 years in line for its 75th anniversary celebration.[56][57][58] At the same time, a PCC study revealed that GMA's viewing share was of 93%, more than double that of early 2020 (45.5%), before ABS-CBN's shutdown, raising concerns of the network monopolizing Philippine television.[59]
In February 2013, GMA Network admitted that it was conducting field tests of Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T International), the Latin American standard in digital television on UHF Channel 27 (551.143 MHz), but remained unconvinced of ISDB-T, saying that the European standard, second-generation Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DVB-T2), is superior to ISDB-T.[60] However, in October 2013, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a draft memorandum circular adopting the Japanese or Latin American (ISDB-T International) standard as the sole standard in the delivery of digital terrestrial TV (DTT) services in the Philippines.[61] In May 2015, GMA Network announced that it will be spending at least ₱2 to 3 billion for the rollout of its digital TV service and said the company plans to produce dongles, instead of set-top boxes for the rollout.[62] In May 2015, GMA topped the digital TV test commissioned by mobile phone brand Starmobile and conducted by American market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) with GMA's presence in 10 out of 14 locations inMetro Manila.[63]
Beginning September 2013, some of the programs of the network have been produced inhigh-definition format in preparation for the ongoing digital shift in the country while keepingdigital on-screen graphics in4:3 safe zone for their TV broadcast since the network is still broadcasting in480i. The videos uploaded on theirYouTube channel and third-partyOTT services on the other hand are presented in720p and1080p format. GMA Playground is an extension of the digital terrestrial television format of the GMA Network.[64]
In December 2016, it was announced that the network will spend an initial amount of ₱416 million for the commencement of the Digital Terrestrial Television transition project of GMA, which included the purchase of three high-powered transmitters capable for providing wider and clearer signal to digital television boxes, antennae and other connectivity requirements, and a fully mirrored head-end system, which is a master facility for grouping and digitally encoding programs.[65] According to GMA Network Chairman and CEO, Felipe Gozon, the network will conclude the test phase, and it is expected to begin the rollout of the DTTV project starting in Metro Manila.[66]
In preparation for the shift to digital,GMA New Media was working on a DTVset-top box (originally reported to be a DTV dongle) in order to compete with ABS-CBN'sTV Plus set-top box. A prototype was shown at the IMMAP DigiCon congress in 2016, and is shown to be running a version ofAndroid, double-acting as a streaming device capable of running apps and games.[67] In June 2020, images of a DTV set-top box known as theGMA Affordabox surfaced online. The product is said to be priced at under ₱1000 and includes a multimedia player, a personal video recorder, and support for the Philippines'emergency broadcast warning system with an auto-on alert feature.[68] The GMA Affordabox became available onLazada andShopee that same month with a final price tag of ₱888.[69] On December 12, 2020, a DTV mobile dongle which designed forUSB OTG-capable Android smartphones known as GMA Now was released on Lazada and Shopee, it costs ₱649 and it also has avideo on demand feature to access GMA's exclusive online contents, aweb chat (Groupee Chat), and interactive games, which requiresinternet connection for these extra features.[70]
On February 22, 2019, GMA Network announced that they will be investing ₱1 billion for the second phase of itsdigitization project.[43] On May 15, 2019, GMA Network began to transmit its digital test broadcast on UHF Channel 15 (479.143 MHz) as its permanent frequency assigned by National Telecommunications Commission.[71]
GMA Network is jointly owned by its three major shareholders; the Gozon, Duavit and Jimenez families. Its corporate shareholding is owned by Group Management & Development Inc. (27.05%), FLG Management & Development Corp. (23.33%), M.A. Jimenez Enterprises (15.55%), GMA Holdings Inc. (14.81%), and Television International Corp. (11.45%).
Shareholder GMA Holdings, Inc. is jointly owned by Felipe L. Gozon, Gilberto Duavit Jr., and Joel Marcelo Jimenez.
On October 29, 1961, Loreto F. de Hemedes Inc. launches its first television station in the Philippines, known back then asRBS TV Channel 7. GMA Network began branding its identity by eliminating call signs to its network identification.
GMA Network has used a number of logos throughout its history especially when Gozon, Jimenez, and Duavit acquired the station in 1975. From the late 1970s to the early 1990s, the network used theCircle 7 logo for its Metro Manila and Cebu stations, which is also expended by several networks around the world (predominately the O&O stations ofABC in the United States). In the 1980s, to refine its presence in the Philippine broadcast industry, GMA Network used the slogan "Where You Belong", and lasted for two decades before invigorating to another catchphrase. In 1992, GMA Network redefines itself as the Rainbow Network, succeeding the ensigns of the rainbow. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the network used the rainbow symbol before having it replaced by its current logo in 2002 and as the Kapuso Network.[1] After a huge marketing campaign, and improved television ratings, the new insignia (the rainbow-colored stylized heart-shape logo known as "Kapuso") is now one of the most recognizable in the Philippines.
"Kapuso ng Bawat Pilipino" ("One in Heart with Every Filipino")[72] is the secondary characteristic catchphrase of GMA Network. The slogan was initially used in conjunction with the rebranding of GMA Network as the Kapuso Network on October 27, 2002.[73] (Currently, it is used in its Regional TV stations). But another slogan of the network "Kapuso, Anumang Kulay ng Buhay" ("One in Heart, in Every Colors of Life") is still used in other purposes and this is the official theme song title for the network. GMA Network's news and public affairs department meanwhile uses the slogan "Serbisyong Totoo" ("True Service") It is one of the longest running slogans used for news broadcast promotion.[74][75] GMA Network found itself on the other end of a battle concerning the slogan, whenABS-CBN News Channel uses similar catchphrase, and immediately discontinued in order to avoid legal predicament from GMA Network. In 2006, its news department also used an accompanying slogan, "Just News", for its promotional campaign together with its news media partners, INQ7.Net. In 2018, the network introduced a new corporate slogan, "Buong Puso para sa Kapuso" ("Wholehearted for the One in Heart") which presented GMA's effort to bring programs, relevant shows, multi-awarded newscasts and documentaries and other services through TV, radio and online format from its birth to the present time, from the Philippines and abroad. In 2020, a variation of the slogan "Buong Puso para sa Pilipino" ("Wholehearted for the Filipino") was unveiled on its 70th anniversary (currently used as a secondary slogan for its original 2018 slogan). It is currently shown on programming promo plugs of the network on TV and its Social Media channels, and "Buong Puso para sa Pinoy Abroad" ("Wholehearted for the Filipino Abroad") for celebratingGMA Pinoy TV's 15th anniversary.[76] In 2024, ahead to its 75th anniversary, GMA Network unveil a new slogan, "Isa sa Puso ng Pilipino" ("One with the Heart of Filipino") along with a new station ID.[55]
GMA Network television programming comprises news and public affairs, local dramas and soap operas,anime series, variety and musical shows, foreign cartoons, children's shows, talk shows, reality programs, sports, and film presentations. Most of the programs are broadcast live and taped in its GMA Network Centers and Studios located in Metropolitan Manila. GMA Network currently programs 20.5 hours of programming per day. It provides 34.5 hours of prime-time programming per week to its owned and affiliated stations: on Weekdays, 4:00–10:00 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays, 10:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. on Fridays, 10:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. on Saturdays, 4:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m. on Sundays. Programming is also provided from 4:00 p.m.–2:40 a.m. on Weekdays in the form ofUnang Hirit; the two-and-half-hour Monday to Saturday for the new noontime variety showIt's Showtime produced byABS-CBN Studios, early-afternoon drama (Afternoon Prime block), early and late-evening news programs (24 Oras andSaksi respectively); primetime programming through its Prime (formerly Telebabad) block; late-night current affairs show produced by its news and public affairs department.
Programming competition started in 2004 when production of numerous GMA Network shows was up against its rival network,ABS-CBN. Reality showExtra Challenge started to lead the ratings and with launch of "telefantasya"Mulawin. On September 23, 2004, GMA Network gained leadership in Mega Manila against its closest competitor. In 2005, GMA Network began producingMars Ravelo's Darna, a classic Filipino comic book character which became a hit, with an overnight rating of 47.7 percent, the highest rating for a pilot episode and the first "telefantasya" to reach 52.1 percent ratings; followed byEncantadia at 47.2 percent and other prime-time "telefantasyas",Mulawin (2004) andSugo (2005) contributed to GMA Network lead in Mega Manila. In 2006, GMA Network maintained its prime time supremacy by reformatting its reality-based programExtra Challenge and another "telefantasya"Encantadia (which was succeeded byEtheria andEncantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas), and the localized subtitled versions of Korean television seriesStairway to Heaven,Full House,Jewel in the Palace andMy Lovely Sam Soon.[77]
In 2007, GMA Network started producing the local version of a Mexican television seriesMariMar. For its pilot episode, it got 52.6 percent overnight rating, making it the only soap opera to achieve the highest ratings in GMA Network's history. In a 2006 survey conducted byPulse Asia, seven out of 10 Metro Manila-based viewers find GMA Network a more credible network than its competitor. GMA Network managed to lead in Mega Manila and Southern Luzon demographic, which has the highest concentration of television ownership and 79 percent of advertisement placement.[78]
The National Urban Television Audience Measurement was officially launched on October 16, 2006, to determine the television ratings and the audience share of local TV programs from urban areas in the Philippines. This changes the broadcast industry landscape and the manner in which the advertisers allocate their TV investments to achieve cost efficiency and maximization. In August 2007 audience rating data shows GMA Network maintained its lead in Mega Manila, which resulted to a 23 percent growth in its consolidated net income to ₱1.13 billion in the first half of the year from ₱915 million in the same period last year.[79] GMA Network income grew by 23 percent year-on-year to ₱1.126 billion in the first six months of the year. Mega Manila accounts 49 percent of total TV households. The Mega Manila and Luzon markets combined accounts for 76 percent of the total TV households.[80] It earned ₱2.3 billion in 2007.[81] In 2011, GMA Network maintained the lead in the national television ratings mentioning figures from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement for January 1 to February 13, 2011. It had 33.2 percent audience shared based on overnight data, higher than ABS-CBN's 31.8 percent andTV5's 14.9 percent. It also leads in Urban Luzon, which makes up 77 percent of total television households in the Philippines. GMA Network posted 9.8 point lead with 36.5 points compared with the closest competitor, ABS-CBN's 26.7 points and imposing a 19.6 point lead from TV5's 16.9. GMA Network also sustained to beat ABS-CBN in Mega Manila, which accounts for 58 percent of television household. It got 37.7 percent share over ABS-CBN 25.2 percent and TV5's 17.7 percent, 20 points higher.[82]
On July 22, 2004, during the arrival of Angelo de la Cruz atNinoy Aquino International Airport (a truck driver who was held hostage and threatened with beheading inIraq abducted by armed rebels west ofBaghdad while trucking fuel from Saudi Arabia), live news coverage was aired on GMA Network and other local television stations in the Philippines. GMA Network used audio-video coverage through the facilities ofReuters, which GMA Network subscribed to.[83] During the said broadcast, a live feed from Reuters was simultaneously aired with its own live broadcast. During the first five-second of the live feed, GMA Network did notice that the live feed from Reuters was also airing at another local station, its main competitorABS-CBN. The live video was restricted only to ABS-CBN and Reuters did not inform GMA Network that the video coverage was only intended for ABS-CBN. The local Court of Appeals junked the case filed by ABS-CBN Corporation against GMA Network Inc. for what was claimed to be illegal copying of its live video footage. In a ruling, the local fourth division of the appellate court set aside the resolution of the local Justice Department, which approved the filing of the violation of Republic Act 8293 (or theIntellectual Property Code) against GMA Network. It ruled out that the act of GMA Network in airing the live video coverage was focused by good faith since there was no meaning to instigate damage to ABS-CBN Corporation.[84] The local court also said GMA Network acted in good faith when it decided to instantaneously stop using the live video feed from Reuters upon learning ABS-CBN was also covering the said news event and its following exertion to authenticate the ABS-CBN Corporation restriction arrangement with the news service, Reuters. The local court also stressed that apart from lack of intent of GMA Network to affect the video from ABS-CBN, the action also cannot be reflected intrusion of Sections 212.4 and 185.1 of Republic Act 8293 since it was just a short excerpt compared with the totality of the matter.[85]
On December 20, 2007, Judge Charito Gonzales of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 80 released atemporary restraining order on TV ratings surveys based on a civil case filed byABS-CBN Corporation versusAGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines. ABS-CBN Corporation accused competitorGMA Network Inc. of funding bribing operations in Bacolod City, to discredit the former.[86][87] The local court in the Philippines further ordered ABS-CBN Corporation to file comment on the plea of AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines for the alleged gathering and dissemination of television ratings data, within five days or until December 22, 2007.[88] On December 21, 2007, a local AM radio station in the Philippines, owned by ABS-CBN Corporation,DZMM field reporter Junrie Hidalgo reported a news story entitled "AGB Nielsen, umamin sa dayaan: GMA Network, tahasang itinurong nasa likod ng dayaan" ("AGB Nielsen admits to cheating: GMA Network aggressively accused of being behind the cheating") during the radio program ofShowbiz Mismo, hosted byCristy Fermin and Jobert Sucaldito. The news story is based on an interview of AGB Nielsen general manager Maya Reforma regarding the purported cheating.[89][90][91] In response, GMA Network Inc. aired a television plug reproving the purported unfair journalism and disagreed the accusations of ABS-CBN Corporation. GMA Network Inc. later filed a ₱15 million civil libel suit against ABS-CBN Corporation on January 3, 2008. The respondents included Hidalgo, Fermin, Sucaldito, the station and news manager of DZMM, writers and executive producers of television programsBandila,Entertainment Live andThe Buzz after the same story was aired locally.[92] On January 7, 2008, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court junked ABS-CBN Corporation's suit against AGB Nielsen, saying the case was "prematurely filed" before the local court.[93] Judge Gonzales' basis is the principle of mutuality of contracts, citing Article 1308 and 1196, New Civil Code of the Philippines. Also, JudgeSamuel Gaerlan, Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 92 issued court summons against ABS-CBN Corporation and 15 of its personnel on January 3, 2008.[94] On January 17, 2008, Judge Gaerlan recused himself from the case, considering that he has a cousin working in the legal department of ABS-CBN Corporation.[95] The case was later re-raffled on January 28, 2008,[96] and the case was eventually assigned to Judge Henri Inting of Branch 95 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. On February 14, 2008, Judge Inting issued a temporary restraining order barring local television station, ABS-CBN from airing defamatory statements against GMA Network Inc.[97]
In December 2008, GMA Network Inc.,Citynet Television, andZOE Broadcasting Network filed a lawsuit against the management ofTV5, alleging MPB Primedia Inc. (a subsidiary ofMedia Prima Berhad, a Malaysian company, which entered a block time agreement with Associated Broadcasting Company to sell the airtime of TV5) of violating Article XVI, Section 3, of the 1987Philippine Constitution.[98] GMA Network Inc. argues restriction of foreign entities to operate and own a Filipino company especially on broadcast media. GMA Network Inc. disputes MPB Primedia Inc. that it was established to skirt the anti-dummy laws and enter into an unlawful block time deal.[99]
On August 1, 2024, actor Sandro Muhlach filed an administrativecomplaint with GMA Network's management against Richard Dode Cruz, GMAhead writer and Jojo Tawasil Nones, GMAcontent creator andcreative consultant. The case is anchored onsexual abuse after the GMA Gala 2024 event held inside the Manila Marriott Hotel suite on July 20, 2024, where Sandro gotintoxicated and was eventually led by the suspects to a room.[100] Because of Sandro's requestedconfidentiality, the Network said it will only publish the details after conclusion of the investigation.[101] Pending the inquiry, Nones was removed as the 2nd Unit Director of then-upcoming drama series,Prinsesa ng City Jail (2025).[102] Earlier, Muhlach, Diane Abby Tupaz and Angela Kristine, inFacebook cryptic statementsaccused thesuspects and demanded justice for Sandro.[103] Nones and Cruz's lawyer, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque released a publicappeal to honor the ongoing probe and desist from publishingdefamatory remarks.[104]
Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdessuspended the respondents who denied the accusation in theircounter-affidavit filed with the NBI.[105] Before thePhilippine Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, they also denied the allegations of Sandro who underwentbehavioural sciences counseling.[106] Sandrovirtually attended the third Senate panel probe and also filed with the DOJrape throughsexual assault complaint punished by R.A. 8353, "The Anti-Rape Law of 1997.[107]
In 2024,Gerald Santos disclosed that he had beenraped in 2005 by a Danny Tan, a musical director of GMA Network when he was 15 years old.[108] He further told theSenate Committee, his foursuicide attempts due to thepsychotrauma.[109]
On May 1, 2001, [Mayrina] was given the task to deliver tapes to Jiggy Manicad, an on-cam reporter caught in the middle of a chaotic EDSA III rally. A rock had hit Jiggy's head, rendering the reporter unconscious.
The mob, which attacked journalists and stoned media vans, were dispersed by anti-riot policemen...
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