GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a
Philippine
The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no),
* bik, Republika kan Filipinas
* ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas
* cbk, República de Filipinas
* hil, Republ ...
free-to-air
Free-to-air (FTA) services are television (TV) and radio services broadcast in unencrypted form, allowing any person with the FTA Receiver, appropriate receiving equipment to receive the signal and view or listen to the content without requiring ...
television
Television, sometimes shortened to TV, is a telecommunication medium for transmitting moving images and sound. The term can refer to a television set, or the medium of television transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertisin ...
and
radio
Radio is the technology of signaling and communicating using radio waves. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves of frequency between 30 hertz (Hz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz). They are generated by an electronic device called a transmit ...
network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded
GMA Network, Inc.
GMA Network, Inc., commonly known as GMA, is a Philippine media company based in Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. It is primarily involved in radio and television broadcasting, with subsidiaries dealing in various media related businesses. ...
Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (formerly known as Republic Broadcasting System, GMA Radio-Television Arts and GMA Rainbow Satellite Network) is commonly referred to as the Kapuso Network in reference to the outline of the company's logo. It is headquartered in the
GMA Network Center
The GMA Network Center is the headquarters and broadcast complex of the GMA Network, a major radio and television network in the Philippines. It is located at EDSA corner Timog Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. It is the network's main television a ...
in
Quezon City
Quezon City (, ; fil, Lungsod Quezon ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read in Filipino as Kyusi), is the List of cities in the Philippines, most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a populatio ...
and its transmitter,
Tower of Power
Tower of Power is an American R&B and funk based band and horn section, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing since 1968. There have been a number of lead vocalists, the best-known being Lenny Williams, who fronted the b ...
, is located at Tandang Sora Avenue, Barangay Culiat also in Quezon City with regional stations and offices strategically located in over 9 major cities across the country.
The original meaning of the GMA acronym was
Greater Manila Area
The Greater Manila Area is the contiguous urbanization region surrounding the Metropolitan Manila area. This built-up zone includes Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces of Bulacan to the north, Cavite and Laguna to the south, and Rizal ...
, referring to the initial coverage area of the station. As the network expanded it changed into Global Media Arts. The flagship
television station
A television station is a set of equipment managed by a business, organisation or other entity, such as an amateur television (ATV) operator, that transmits video content and audio content via radio waves directly from a transmitter on the earth ...
of GMA is
DZBB-TV
DZBB-TV, Channel 7 (analog) and Channel 15 (digital), is the flagship TV station of Philippine television network GMA. The station is owned and operated by GMA Network Inc. with its studios are located at the GMA Network Center, EDSA corner ...
(GMA-7 Manila) which carries VHF Channel 7 (analog broadcast) with Channel 15 served as a permanent assigned digital frequency. The network operates across the Philippine archipelago through the GMA Regional TV department which has 7 originating stations and 46 relay stations nationwide. Its programming is also available outside the Philippines through the Philippine pay television channels
GMA Pinoy TV
GMA Pinoy TV is a Philippine pay television channel that was launched in March 14, 2005, by GMA Network. Operated by its subsidiaries, GMA International and GMA Worldwide Inc, it is targeted towards the Philippine diaspora.
Programming
The ...
,
GMA Life TV
GMA Life TV is a 24-hour Philippine pay television channel launched in February 2008 by GMA Network.
Programming
The programming of GMA Pinoy TV consists mostly of shows from the Philippines from GMA Network and GTV as well as previously ai ...
and
GMA News TV International
GMA News TV (GNTV; visually rendered in its logo in all capital letters as GMA NEWS TV) is a 24-hour Philippine-based international pay television channel owned by Citynet Network Marketing and Productions Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of G ...
which is available through satellite and cable TV systems worldwide. Since 2013, GMA has been testing
digital terrestrial television
Digital terrestrial television (DTTV or DTT, or DTTB with "broadcasting") is a technology for terrestrial television in which land-based (terrestrial) television stations broadcast television content by radio waves to televisions in consumers' ...
broadcasts using the Japanese standard
ISDB-T
Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB; Japanese: , ''Tōgō dejitaru hōsō sābisu'') is a Japanese broadcasting standard for digital television (DTV) and digital radio.
ISDB supersedes both the NTSC-J analog television system and th ...
, in select areas in the Philippines.
History
1950s and 1960s
The origin of GMA Network can be traced back to Loreto F. de Hemedes Inc. through
DZBB,
[GMA Network Corporate Information]
, GMANetwork.com which started airing its radio broadcast on March 1, 1950, and officially launched as a local radio station in
Manila
Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populate ...
on June 14, 1950, and owned by
Robert La Rue "Uncle Bob" Stewart, an American war correspondent.
[''GMA Gold: Fifty Years of Broadcast History'', Chelo Banal Formoso (ed.), GMA Network.] Venturing into television in the 1960s, Stewart started RBS TV Channel 7 (under the call letters
DZBB-TV
DZBB-TV, Channel 7 (analog) and Channel 15 (digital), is the flagship TV station of Philippine television network GMA. The station is owned and operated by GMA Network Inc. with its studios are located at the GMA Network Center, EDSA corner ...
) on October 29, 1961, becoming the Philippines' fifth 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 like ''Uncle Bob's Lucky Seven Club'', a child-oriented show aired every Saturdays; ''Dance Time with Chito''; and various news programs like ''
News at Seven''. In 1963, RBS launched its first provincial television station in Cebu,
DYSS Channel 7 (now GMA Cebu). In the same year, from Loreto F. de Hemedes Inc, the firm was formally renamed to Republic Broadcasting System, Inc. (RBS).
1970s
On September 21, 1972, then
President
President most commonly refers to:
*President (corporate title)
*President (education), a leader of a college or university
*President (government title)
President may also refer to:
Automobiles
* Nissan President, a 1966–2010 Japanese ful ...
Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr. ( , , ; September 11, 1917 – September 28, 1989) was a Filipino politician, lawyer, dictator, and kleptocrat who was the 10th president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He ruled under martial ...
declared
martial law
Martial law is the imposition of direct military control of normal civil functions or suspension of civil law by a government, especially in response to an emergency where civil forces are overwhelmed, or in an occupied territory.
Use
Marti ...
by the virtue of
Proclamation 1081
Proclamation No. 1081 was the document which contained formal proclamation of martial law in the Philippines by President Ferdinand Marcos, as announced to the public on September 23, 1972.
The proclamation marked the beginning of a 14-year pe ...
. Marcos, ruling by decree, curtailed press freedom and other civil liberties; closed down
the 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 former ABS-CBN executive Romeo Jalosjos. But due to limited licenses, difficulty in financial obligations, and disallowing foreign citizens and entities from owning and operating media companies in the
Philippines
The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no),
* bik, Republika kan Filipinas
* ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas
* cbk, República de Filipinas
* hil, Republ ...
, Stewart and the
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) is an American commercial broadcast television network. It is the flagship property of the ABC Entertainment Group division of The Walt Disney Company. The network is headquartered in Burbank, Cali ...
, which owned 25% of the company, were forced to cede majority control to a triumvirate composed of
Gilberto Duavit Sr., a Malacañang official; Menardo Jimenez, an accountant; and
Felipe Gozon
Felipe Enrique "Henry" Lapuz Gozon (born December 8, 1939), is a Filipino lawyer and the chairman and CEO of GMA Network Inc., one of the largest media networks in the Philippines.
A lawyer by profession, the Yale-educated Gozon is seen as the n ...
, an attorney of the Stewarts in 1974. The station changed its name to GMA Radio-Television Arts (GMA stood for
Greater Manila Area
The Greater Manila Area is the contiguous urbanization region surrounding the Metropolitan Manila area. This built-up zone includes Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces of Bulacan to the north, Cavite and Laguna to the south, and Rizal ...
, the station's initial coverage area) and retained its corporate name Republic Broadcasting System, Inc. (until 1996). Stewart's wife Loreto was the president when the takeover ensued.
[''What's the Story, Pinoy TV?'', Ellen Joy Anastacio and Janine Natalie Badiola, GMA Network.] The relaunched GMA, aside from sporting a light blue square logo with the network name in white, also (until 1980) had a
circle 7 logo
The Circle 7 logo is an often-used television station logo in the United States. Designed in the early 1960s for the American Broadcasting Company's five owned-and-operated stations (all of which broadcast on VHF channel 7), the logo, or a ...
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.
1980s
During martial law under the
Marcos regime Marcos may refer to:
People with the given name ''Marcos''
*Marcos (given name)
Sports
;Surnamed
* Dayton Marcos, Negro league baseball team from Dayton, Ohio (early twentieth-century)
* Dimitris Markos, Greek footballer
* Nélson Marcos, Portugue ...
, GMA managed to broadcast the funeral of senator
Ninoy Aquino
Benigno "Ninoy" Simeon Aquino Jr., (; November 27, 1932 – August 21, 1983) was a Filipino politician who served as a senator of the Philippines (1967–1972) and governor of the province of Tarlac. Aquino was the husband of Corazon Aquino ...
, a public opposition leader who was
assassinated
Assassination is the murder of a prominent or important person, such as a head of state, head of government, politician, world leader, member of a royal family or CEO. The murder of a celebrity, activist, or artist, though they may not have a ...
on August 1983, the only local network to do so.
In 1984,
Imee Marcos
Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios "Imee" Romualdez Marcos (; born November 12, 1955) is a Filipina politician and former actress serving as a Senator since 2019. She is the daughter of Ferdinand Marcos and former first lady Imelda Marcos and the ol ...
, daughter of Ferdinand Marcos, attempted to take over GMA.
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 the
People Power Revolution
The People Power Revolution, also known as the EDSA Revolution or the February Revolution, was a series of popular Demonstration (people), demonstrations in the Philippines, mostly in Metro Manila, from February 22 to 25, 1986. There was a ...
. They were the first to air an interview with
Corazon Aquino
Maria Corazon "Cory" Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino (; ; January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009) was a Filipina politician who served as the 11th president of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992. She was the most prominent figure of the 1986 People P ...
in 1984, as well as when she announced her intention to run for presidency once she receives one million signatures.
During the People Power Revolution, the network was also the first to report that
Fidel Ramos
Fidel Valdez Ramos (, ; March 18, 1928 – July 31, 2022), popularly known as FVR and Eddie Ramos, was a Filipino general and politician who served as the 12th president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. He was the only career military ...
and
Juan Ponce Enrile
Juan Valentin Furagganan Ponce Enrile Sr., (born Juanito Furagganan; February 14, 1924), also referred to by his initials JPE, or Manong Johnny, is a Filipino politician and lawyer known for his role in the administration of Philippine dicta ...
broke away from the Marcos administration. GMA's rival
ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN (an initialism of its two predecessors' names, Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast broadcast network, network tha ...
reopened in September 1986 and convinced key people to transfer networks including
Freddie M. Garcia
Federico "Freddie" M. García (born July 13, 1944), also known as FMG, is a Filipino business executive who served as President of ABS-CBN Corporation, the largest media conglomerate in the Philippines, from May 26, 1997 to December 31, 2003, as ...
along with key people from the network's Marketing and Engineering departments.
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 first
VHF television network to do so in the country. Additionally,
Broadway Centrum
Broadway Centrum was a television studio complex located in the New Manila district of Quezon City at Aurora Boulevard cor. Broadway (formerly Doña Juana Rodriguez) Avenue, Quezon City. It is currently owned by the Empire East Land Holdings, a su ...
opened, and in 1988, they also inaugurated the , 120 kW
Tower of Power
Tower of Power is an American R&B and funk based band and horn section, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing since 1968. There have been a number of lead vocalists, the best-known being Lenny Williams, who fronted the b ...
in
Quezon City
Quezon City (, ; fil, Lungsod Quezon ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read in Filipino as Kyusi), is the List of cities in the Philippines, most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a populatio ...
, the tallest man-made structure in the country.
1990s
In 1992, the
Philippine Congress
The Congress of the Philippines ( fil, Kongreso ng Pilipinas, italic=unset) is the legislature of the national government of the Philippines. It is bicameral, composed of a lower body, the House of Representatives, although colloquially the ter ...
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 as
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, also spelled South East Asia and South-East Asia, and also known as Southeastern Asia, South-eastern Asia or SEA, is the geographical United Nations geoscheme for Asia#South-eastern Asia, south-eastern region of Asia, consistin ...
. GMA programming started airing in 60 American cities and parts of South America through the International Channel Network.
GMA was selected to be the official broadcaster for the 1995
World Youth Day
World Youth Day (WYD) is an event for young people organized by the Catholic Church that was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1985, sometimes nicknamed in later years as the "Catholic Woodstock". Its concept has been influenced by the Light-Li ...
, when
Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II ( la, Ioannes Paulus II; it, Giovanni Paolo II; pl, Jan Paweł II; born Karol Józef Wojtyła ; 18 May 19202 April 2005) was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1978 until his ...
visited the country again. During the same year, popular TV shows ''
Eat Bulaga!
''Eat Bulaga!'' (), formerly ''Eat... Bulaga!'', is a noontime Philippine television variety show broadcast by GMA Network. Produced by TAPE Inc., it is the longest running variety show in the Philippines with over 13,000 episodes. Originally ...
'' and ''
Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!
''Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!'' () is a Philippine television fantasy situational comedy series broadcast by Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, ABS-CBN and GMA Network. Directed by Bert de Leon, it stars Vic Sotto, Charito Solis and Alice Dixson. ...
'' began broadcasting on GMA after
TAPE Inc.
Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE Inc.) is a Philippine television production company established in 1978 and is a partner of GMA Network Inc. (after Radio Philippines Network and ABS-CBN Corporation). It was founded by former ABS ...
, the programs' production company, refused an
ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN (an initialism of its two predecessors' names, Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast broadcast network, network tha ...
proposal to buy the airing rights of the two shows. Around the same time, the network launched a
UHF
Ultra high frequency (UHF) is the ITU designation for radio frequencies in the range between 300 megahertz (MHz) and 3 gigahertz (GHz), also known as the decimetre band as the wavelengths range from one meter to one tenth of a meter (on ...
channel subsidiary,
Citynet 27
DWDB-TV, channel 27 is the flagship UHF station of the Philippine television network GTV, wholly owned by Citynet Network Marketing and Productions, a subsidiary of GMA Network Inc. Its studios are located at the GMA Network Center, EDSA c ...
, several new shows (including weekly late-night show ''
Bubble Gang
''Bubble Gang'' is a Philippine television sketch comedy show broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Frasco Mortiz, it stars Michael V. It premiered on October 20, 1995 on the network's Friday night line up replacing '' Vilma''. The show is the ...
''), as well as the late night news program ''
Saksi
''Saksi'' () formerly ''Saksi: GMA Headline Balita'' and ''Saksi: Liga ng Katotohanan'' is a Philippine television news broadcasting show broadcast by GMA Network. Originally anchored by Mike Enriquez and Karen Davila, it premiered on October ...
''. The network also adapted the
700 Club
''The 700 Club'' is the flagship television program of the Christian Broadcasting Network, airing each weekday in syndication in the United States and available worldwide on CBN.com. The news magazine program features live guests, daily news, con ...
series as ''
The 700 Club Asia
''The 700 Club'' is the flagship television program of the Christian Broadcasting Network, airing each weekday in syndication in the United States and available worldwide on CBN.com. The news magazine program features live guests, daily news, con ...
''.
In 1995, GMA founded its film production company, Cinemax Studios (renamed to
GMA Films
GMA Pictures, formerly Cinemax Studios and GMA Films, is a film and television production company in the Philippines, established by GMA Network in 1995. Its films include ''Jose Rizal'', '' Muro Ami'', and '' Deathrow''.
Filmography
Histor ...
in 1998) for the film ''
Run Barbi Run
''Run Barbi Run'' is a 1995 Philippine comedy film directed by Tony Y. Reyes. Joey de Leon reprises his role as the titular character and is joined by Maricel Laxa and Eraserheads. It is third installment of the ''Barbi'' trilogy, which started ...
''. In 1998, the company produced the
biopic film
A biographical film or biopic () is a film that dramatizes the life of a non-fictional or historically-based person or people. Such films show the life of a historical person and the central character's real name is used. They differ from docudra ...
''
José Rizal
José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda (, ; June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896) was a Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He is considered the national he ...
'', 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 for ''Global Media Arts''. In 1999, GMA aired the
Filipino language
Filipino (; , ) is an Austronesian language. It is the national language ( / ) of the Philippines, and one of the two official languages of the country, with English. It is a standardized variety of Tagalog based on the native dialect, spoke ...
television news program ''GMA Network News'', originally an English language newscast, then a rarity in Philippine television.
GMA was the first Philippine broadcaster to receive a
Peabody Award
The George Foster Peabody Awards (or simply Peabody Awards or the Peabodys) program, named for the American businessman and philanthropist George Peabody, honor the most powerful, enlightening, and invigorating stories in television, radio, and ...
for Investigative Reporting in 1999. Later, Citynet 27 became EMC, the first local music video-oriented TV channel, which became part of the short-lived
Channel V
Channel '' ("V" standing for the letter, not the Roman numeral "5") is a Chinese and former Asian pay television musical network originally launched by Star TV Hong Kong (now Fox Networks Group Asia Pacific). It was part of the unit of Disney ...
franchise called
Channel V Philippines
Channel Philippines was a 24-hour music-entertainment television network owned by STAR TV and Fox Networks Group Philippines in partnership with TV Xtreme Broadcasting Company (formerly Makisig Network) and Northern Star Productions as netwo ...
. GMA broadcast the international millennium television special ''
2000 Today
''2000 Today'' was an internationally broadcast television special to commemorate the beginning of the Year 2000. This program included New Year's Eve celebrations, musical performances, and other features from participating nations.
Most inte ...
''. The network then began airing 24-hour broadcasting until the
National Telecommunications Commission
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC; fil, Pambansang Komisyon sa Telekomunikasyon) is an attached agency of the Department of Information and Communications Technology responsible for the supervision, adjudication and control over ...
(NTC) released and implemented a new set of rules and regulations with its affiliated free-to-air TV networks in 2001. Menardo Jimenez officially announced his retirement as president and CEO of the network in the same year, with
Felipe Gozon
Felipe Enrique "Henry" Lapuz Gozon (born December 8, 1939), is a Filipino lawyer and the chairman and CEO of GMA Network Inc., one of the largest media networks in the Philippines.
A lawyer by profession, the Yale-educated Gozon is seen as the n ...
assumed his office in concurrent capacity as the chairman of the network.
2000s
GMA officially revealed its new logo and image during an episode of its noontime show ''
SOP
A sop is a piece of bread or toast that is drenched in liquid and then eaten. In medieval cuisine, sops were very common; they were served with broth, soup, or wine and then picked apart into smaller pieces to soak in the liquid. At elaborate ...
'' in 2002. The following year, ''Saksi'' won a
New York Television Festival
The New York Television Festival (NYTVF) is a yearly festival dedicated to the celebration and promotion of independent small-screen productions, web series, and television.
Background
The festival was founded in 2005, and is held in venues acr ...
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 the
House of Representatives
House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national entitles. In many countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often c ...
later that year. That same year, GMA withdrew its membership from the
Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas
The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP; en, Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines) is a broadcast media organization in the Philippines which provides its members broadcasting standards. The KBP was organized on April 27, 19 ...
(KBP), after various issues and incidents involving its news talents and the cable firm
Sky Cable
Sky Cable (stylized as SKYcable) is a cable television service of Sky Cable Corporation in the Philippines. It covers areas across the country with both digital and analog cable services, and it has 700,000 subscribers, controlling 45% of t ...
's alleged distortion of GMA's signal on its system, among other factors.
2004 saw the debut of their several long-running television programs, among them the magazine show ''
Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho
''Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho'' (International title: ''One at Heart, Jessica Soho'' / ) also known as ''KMJS'', is a Philippine television news magazine show broadcast by GMA Network. Hosted by Jessica Soho, it premiered on November 7, 2004 on the ...
'', as well as the award-winning documentary show ''
Reporter's Notebook
''Reporter's Notebook'' is a Philippine television documentary show broadcast by GMA Network, GMA News TV and GTV. Originally hosted by Jiggy Manicad and Maki Pulido, it premiered on June 1, 2004 on the network's Tuesday evening line up. The s ...
'' and its evening news program ''
24 Oras
''24 Oras'' (pronounced as bente kwatro oras / ) is a Philippine television news broadcasting show broadcast by GMA Network. Originally anchored by Mel Tiangco and Mike Enriquez, it premiered on March 15, 2004, on the network's Telebabad line ...
''.
In 2005, subsidiary Citynet signed an agreement with
ZOE Broadcasting Network
ZOE Broadcasting Network, Inc. (ZOE TV) is a Philippine broadcast media arm of the Jesus Is Lord Church. Based in Ortigas Center, Pasig, it operates a network of television and radio stations each in Mega Manila, Puerto Princesa City, Visaya ...
. From 2005 to 2019, ZOE's flagship station
DZOE-TV Channel 11, went on air as Quality TeleVision, and later reformatted as the GMA News TV and now known as
GTV (currently on
DWDB-TV Channel 27). The network planned to offer its
initial public offering
An initial public offering (IPO) or stock launch is a public offering in which shares of a company are sold to institutional investors and usually also to retail (individual) investors. An IPO is typically underwritten by one or more investment ...
; however, the plan was delayed due to political instability during
Arroyo's administration, among other factors. In 2007, the network announced its initial public offerring after several setbacks.
In 2006, ''
Debate with Mare at Pare
''Debate with Mare at Pare'' () is a Philippine television public affairs debate show broadcast by GMA Network
GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship prop ...
'', a late-night public affairs program, won the bronze medal at the
New York Television Festival
The New York Television Festival (NYTVF) is a yearly festival dedicated to the celebration and promotion of independent small-screen productions, web series, and television.
Background
The festival was founded in 2005, and is held in venues acr ...
. The network was also praised for its coverage on the ''
Wowowee
''Wowowee'' () is a Philippine noontime variety show that was broadcast by ABS-CBN from 2005 to 2010. The show premiered on February 5, 2005, and aired live on weekdays and Saturdays. The show was also broadcast worldwide through ABS-CBN's The ...
''
stampede
A stampede () is a situation in which a group of large animals suddenly start running in the same direction, especially because they are excited or frightened. Non-human species associated with stampede behavior include zebras, cattle, elephants ...
by local publications. An exclusive interview by
Mike Enriquez
Miguel Castro Enriquez (; born September 29, 1951), professionally known as Mike Enriquez, is a Filipino television and radio newscaster. He is also the Consultant for radio operations of GMA Network, and president of the network's regional ...
to President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Maria Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal Arroyo (, born April 5, 1947), often referred to by her initials GMA, is a Filipino academic and politician serving as one of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, House Deputy Spe ...
after the lifting of the
state 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 the same year, GMA founder Robert Stewart died while in the
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...
. The network supported and documented the successful attempt of mountain climber
Romi Garduce
Romeo Roberto "Romi" Garduce (born 1969 in Balanga, Bataan), sometimes nicknamed as "Garduch," is a Filipino mountain climber, a scuba dive master (since 2000), an environmentalist, writer, motivational speaker and works as an IT professional. ...
to reach the summit of
Mount Everest
Mount Everest (; Tibetan: ''Chomolungma'' ; ) is Earth's highest mountain above sea level, located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. The China–Nepal border runs across its summit point. Its elevation (snow heig ...
, only the third Filipino to do so.
The network started producing local adaptation of
television franchises
Television, sometimes shortened to TV, is a telecommunication medium for transmitting moving images and sound. The term can refer to a television set, or the medium of television transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertising, ...
from other countries, starting from ''
Celebrity Duets: Philippine Edition'' with
FremantleMedia
Fremantle (; formerly FremantleMedia) is a British multinational television production and distribution company based in London. Fremantle takes its name from Fremantle International, acquired by predecessor company All American Television in ...
. They later produces local adaptations of the drama show ''
Marimar'', sci-fi show ''
Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan'', quiz show ''
Kakasa Ka Ba sa Grade 5?'', and game show ''
Whammy! Push Your Luck
''Whammy! Push Your Luck'' is a Philippine television game show broadcast by GMA Network. The show is based on American game shows '' Second Chance'' and ''Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck''. Hosted by Paolo Bediones and Rufa Mae Quinto, it ...
''. The network announced in 2007 that they would also adapt the
''Idol'' franchise. Since an earlier adaptation of the franchise was made by
Associated Broadcasting Company
TV5 Network Inc., commonly known as TV5, is a Philippine media company based in Mandaluyong, with its alternate studios located in Novaliches, Quezon City. It is primarily involved in radio and television broadcasting, with subsidiaries and ...
(ABC) (under the name ''
Philippine Idol
''Philippine Idol'' is the first version of the Idol series in the Philippines, the 35th country in the world to air a local ''Idol'' adaptation and the sixth in Asia broadcast by ABC (now TV5). Similar to the premise of original show ''Pop Id ...
''), the new adaptation would be transferred to GMA under the new name ''
Pinoy Idol
''Pinoy'' ( ) is a common informal self-reference used by Filipinos to refer to citizens of the Philippines and their culture as well as to overseas Filipinos in the Filipino diaspora. A Pinoy who has any non-Filipino foreign ancestry is often ...
''.
In 2008 and 2009, GMA produced a diverse set of shows for its primetime block by airing several adaptations of
Carlo J. Caparas
Carlo Magno Jose Caparas (born December 15, 1948) is a Filipino comic strip creator and writer-turned film director and producer. He is best known for creating such Filipino superheroes and comic book characters as ''Panday'', '' Bakekang'' ...
and
Mars Ravelo
Marcial "Mars" Ravelo (October 9, 1916 – September 12, 1988) was a Filipino comic book cartoonist and graphic novelist who created ''Darna, Dyesebel, Captain Barbell, Lastikman'', ''Bondying'', '' Varga'', ''Wanted: Perfect Mother'', ''Hiwag ...
works, including ''
Joaquin Bordado
''Joaquin Bordado'' is a 2008 Philippine television drama action series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is based on a Philippine comic book serial by Carlo J. Caparas with the same title. Directed by Mac Alejandre and Argel Joseph, it stars ...
'' (2008),
''Dyesebel'' (2008) ''
Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang
''Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang'' (International title: ''Dangerous Love'' / ) is a 2009 Philippine television drama thriller series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is an adaptation of Carlo J. Caparas' graphic novel. Directed by Joy ...
'' (2009), ''
Darna
Darna () is a Filipina superheroine created by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo. The character's first appearance was in ''Pilipino Komiks'' (Ace Publications, Inc.) #77 on May 13, 1950. Darna is a retooling of Ravelo's earlier cha ...
'' (2009), and ''
Totoy Bato
''Totoy Bato'' is a 2009 Philippine television drama series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is based on the graphic novel created by Carlo J. Caparas. Directed by Mac Alejandre and Don Michael Perez, it stars Robin Padilla in the title role ...
'' (2009), along with several original shows like ''
Gagambino
''Carlo J. Caparas' Gagambino'' is a Philippine television drama fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is based from Carlo J. Caparas' graphic novel of the same title. Directed by Topel Lee and Don Michael Perez, it stars Dennis ...
'', ''
Codename: Asero'', ''
Luna Mystika
''Luna Mystika'' is a Philippine television drama fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Michael Tuviera and Gil Tejada Jr., it stars Heart Evangelista and Mark Anthony Fernandez. It premiered on November 17, 2008 on the network's ...
'', among others. They also aired an adaptation of the ''Survivor'' franchise, titled ''
Survivor Philippines
''Survivor Philippines'' is a Philippine television reality competition show broadcast by GMA Network. The show is the Philippine version of the television series '' Survivor''. Originally hosted by Paolo Bediones, it premiered on September 15, ...
'', as well as a local Filipino adaptation of a Korean drama, titled ''
Ako si Kim Samsoon
''Ako si Kim Samsoon'' (International title: ''My Name is Kim Samsoon'') is a 2008 Philippine television drama romantic comedy series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is based on a 2005 South Korean television series '' My Lovely Sam Soon''. ...
''. Their evening newscast ''24 Oras'' received two awards in the
New York Television Festival
The New York Television Festival (NYTVF) is a yearly festival dedicated to the celebration and promotion of independent small-screen productions, web series, and television.
Background
The festival was founded in 2005, and is held in venues acr ...
, a gold medal for Best Continuing Coverage and a silver medal for Best News Program.
2010s
In 2010, for the first and second quarters, GMA Network released new soaps and shows like ''
The Last Prince
''The Last Prince'' is a 2010 Philippine television drama romance fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Mac Alejandre, it stars Aljur Abrenica in the title role and Kris Bernal. It premiered on January 11, 2010 on the network's ...
'', ''
Panday Kids
''Carlo J. Caparas's Panday Kids'' (), or simply ''Panday Kids'', is a 2010 Philippine television drama fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is a television sequel to the 2009 film '' Ang Panday''. Directed by Mike Tuviera and Dom ...
'', ''
First Time'', ''Laff En Roll'', ''
Diva
Diva (; ) is the Latin word for a goddess. It has often been used to refer to a celebrated woman of outstanding talent in the world of opera, theatre, cinema, fashion and popular music. If referring to an actress, the meaning of ''diva'' is clo ...
'', ''
Zooperstars
''Zooperstars'' is a 2010 Philippine television informative show broadcast by GMA Network. Hosted by Gelli de Belen, Julian Trono and Sabrina Man, it premiered on February 28, 2010. The show concluded on June 27, 2010 with a total of 18 episode ...
'', ''
Claudine Claudine may refer to: Name
* Claudine (given name), a feminine given name of French origin
Culture
* ''Claudine'' (film), a 1974 American film by John Berry
** ''Claudine'' (soundtrack), its soundtrack album. Music by Curtis Mayfield and Gladis ...
'', ''
Wipeout'', ''
Pepito Manaloto
''Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kuwento'' () formerly ''Pepito Manaloto'', ''Pepito Manaloto: Ang Tunay na Kwento'', ''Pepito Manoloto: Kuwento Kuwento'' and ''Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kuwento'', is a Philippine television sitcom series broadcas ...
'', ''
Wachamakulit
''Wachamakulit: 'Wag Matakot, Makibata!'' is a 2010 Philippine television game show broadcast by GMA Network. Hosted by Eugene Domingo, it premiered on April 16, 2010. The show concluded on September 24, 2010 with a total of 24 episodes.
Hosts
...
'', ''Sunnyville'', ''
Comedy Bar'', ''
Love Bug'', ''
Langit sa Piling Mo
''Langit sa Piling Mo'' (International title: ''Heaven with You'' / ) is a 2010 Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Gil Tejada, Jr., it stars Heart Evangelista and Mark Herras. It premiered on May 31, ...
'', ''
Pilyang Kerubin
''Pilyang Kerubin'' (International title: ''My Silly Angel'' / ) is a 2010 Philippine television drama comedy fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes and Andoy Ranay, it stars Barbie Forteza in the title role. ...
'', ''
Endless Love'', ''
Danz Showdown'', as well as ''
Diz Iz It!
''Diz Iz It!'' is a 2010 Philippine television variety show broadcast by GMA Network. Originally named as ''Todo Bigay'', it premiered on February 8, 2010 replacing ''Kapuso Movie Festival''. The show concluded on July 24, 2010 with a total of 1 ...
'' which replaced the longest morning talk show ''
SiS'' along ''
Party Pilipinas
''Party Pilipinas'' () is a Philippine television variety show broadcast by GMA Network. Hosted by Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Jaya and Janno Gibbs, it premiered on March 28, 2010 replacing ''SOP''. The show concluded on May 19, 2013 with a ...
'' which replaced ''
SOP
A sop is a piece of bread or toast that is drenched in liquid and then eaten. In medieval cuisine, sops were very common; they were served with broth, soup, or wine and then picked apart into smaller pieces to soak in the liquid. At elaborate ...
'' and ''
Koreana'' and ''
Little Star'' which replaced ''
Sine Novela
''Sine Novela'' is a Philippine television drama series broadcast by GMA Network
GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA N ...
'' marking the return of original concepts on their afternoon line-up.
In 2011, GMA Network offered an afternoon line-up which includes ''
Nita Negrita
''Nita Negrita'' (International title: ''Nita'') is a 2011 Philippine television drama series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Gil Tejada Jr., it stars Barbie Forteza in the title role. It premiered on February 14, 2011 on the network's Dra ...
'', ''
Magic Palayok
''Magic Palayok'' (International title: ''Magic Pot'') is a 2011 Philippine television drama fantasy comedy series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Joel Lamangan, it stars Geoff Eigenmann, Carla Abellana and Angeli Nicole Sanoy. It premiere ...
'', ''
Alakdana
''Alakdana'' (International title: ''Scorpion Lady'') is a 2011 Philippine television drama fantasy romance series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Mac Alejandre, it stars Louise delos Reyes, Paulo Avelino and Alden Richards. It premiered ...
'', ''
Sisid'', ''
My Lover, My Wife
''My Lover, My Wife'' is a 2011 Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Jay Altajeros, it stars Nadine Samonte, Luis Alandy and Maxene Magalona. It premiered on February 28, 2011 on the network's Dramara ...
'' and ''
Kung Aagawin Mo ang Langit
''Kung Aagawin Mo ang Langit'' (International title: ''Losing Heaven'' / ) is a Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Jay Altajeros, it stars Carla Abellana, Michelle Madrigal and Mike Tan. It premiered ...
''. In the prime-time line-up, GMA released ''
I Heart You, Pare!
''I ♥ You, Pare!'' (International title: ''I ♥ You, Bro'' / read as I Heart You, Pare! / ) is a 2011 Philippine television drama romantic comedy series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Andoy Ranay and Joyce E. Bernal, it stars Regine Ve ...
'', ''
Dwarfina
''Dwarfina'' is a 2011 Philippine television drama romance fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Mike Tuviera, it stars Heart Evangelista in the title role and Dennis Trillo. It premiered on January 10, 2011 on the network's Teleb ...
'', ''Machete (TV series), Machete'', ''Captain Barbell (2011 TV series), Captain Barbell'', ''Munting Heredera'', the first historical drama of the Philippines entitled ''Amaya (TV series), Amaya'' and they offered the first TV remake drama series ''Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin (2011 TV series), Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin''.
In 2012, the network offered a line-up of television series featuring original concepts for the first quarter, in both their primetime and afternoon blocks such as ''Legacy (Philippine TV series), Legacy'', ''Biritera'' and ''My Beloved'' on GMA Telebabad and ''Alice Bungisngis and her Wonder Walis'', ''Broken Vow (TV series), Broken Vow'', ''The Good Daughter'' and ''Hiram na Puso'' on GMA Afternoon Prime.
On February 1, 2012, GMA Network announced it has signed a three-year deal with Fox Networks Group, Fox International Channels which allows locally produced GMA's shows and feature films to be aired 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
Darna () is a Filipina superheroine created by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo. The character's first appearance was in ''Pilipino Komiks'' (Ace Publications, Inc.) #77 on May 13, 1950. Darna is a retooling of Ravelo's earlier cha ...
'', ''Dyesebel (2008 TV series), Dyesebel'', ''Super Twins'', ''Stairway to Heaven (Philippines TV series), Stairway to Heaven'', ''Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit'', ''Trudis Liit (TV series), Trudis Liit'' and ''Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita'', and news and public affairs shows like ''Wish Ko Lang'', ''Pinoy Meets World'' and ''Pinoy 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 (2011 film), Temptation Island'' and ''
José Rizal
José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda (, ; June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896) was a Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He is considered the national he ...
''.
On February 22, 2012,
GMA Films
GMA Pictures, formerly Cinemax Studios and GMA Films, is a film and television production company in the Philippines, established by GMA Network in 1995. Its films include ''Jose Rizal'', '' Muro Ami'', and '' Deathrow''.
Filmography
Histor ...
' President Annette Gozon-Abrogar and director Yam Laranas announced that the thriller movie ''The Road (2011 film), The 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.
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 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.
In April 2012, GMA Network's president and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr. announced that the network hit consolidated revenues at 13.083 billion pesos in 2011. That's 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.
On October 4, 2012, the network announced the termination of negotiations with MediaQuest Holdings, Inc. (an affiliate of PLDT, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company) owned by businessman and 5 (TV channel), TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan. 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." 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.
In 2013, GMA Network launched a new line-up of shows including ''Indio (TV series), Indio'', ''Forever (Philippine TV series), Forever'', ''Bukod Kang Pinagpala'', ''Unforgettable (Philippine TV series), Unforgettable'', ''Vampire ang Daddy Ko'', ''Mundo Mo'y Akin'', ''Alisto'', ''Love & Lies'', ''Kakambal ni Eliana'', ''Home Sweet Home (2013 TV series), 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 (TV series), Genesis'', ''Katipunan (TV series), Katipunan'', a remake of ''Villa Quintana (2013 TV series), Villa Quintana'', ''Bingit'' and ''Adarna (TV series), Adarna''.
On May 5, 2014, GMA Network chairman and CEO, attorney Felipe L. Gozon confirmed the networked has entered negotiations with San Miguel Corporation president and COO Ramon S. Ang. 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 in his personal capacity. San Miguel Corporation is not involved in Ang's acquisition of the shares. In June 2015, GMA in a disclosure to the securities commission said that talks with Ramon Ang has bogged down. In that same year, the network won another
Peabody Award
The George Foster Peabody Awards (or simply Peabody Awards or the Peabodys) program, named for the American businessman and philanthropist George Peabody, honor the most powerful, enlightening, and invigorating stories in television, radio, and ...
for its coverage of Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Supertyphoon Yolanda).
In April 2015, GMA Network implemented a series of budget cuts towards its regional TV stations, by terminating at least 200 regional employees, downgrading its originating TV stations in Bacolod, Naga, Camarines Sur, Naga, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Ilocos to 'satellite-selling' or relay TV stations, and cancelling morning shows in Cebu City, Cebu, Davao City, Davao, Iloilo City, Iloilo and Dagupan, reportedly in order for them to "streamline their operations for increased ratings and revenue". In November that same year, the network also downgraded its originating station in Iloilo City into 'relay-selling' or satellite TV station and cancelling ''Ratsada 24 Oras'' following the retrenchment of 20 employees from the news department as part of the strategic streamlining undertaken by GMA Network.
In 2016, GMA Network launched a new line-up of shows including ''Wish I May (TV series), Wish I May'', ''That's My Amboy'', ''Dear Uge'', ''Lip Sync Battle Philippines'', ''Hanggang Makita Kang Muli'', ''The Millionaire's Wife (TV series), The Millionaire's Wife'', ''Poor Señorita'', ''Yan ang Morning!'', ''Once Again (Philippine TV series), Once Again'', ''Juan Happy Love Story'', ''Magkaibang Mundo'', ''Laff Camera Action'', ''A1 Ko Sa 'Yo'', ''Hay, Bahay!'', ''Conan, My Beautician'', a new version of ''Encantadia (2016 TV series), Encantadia'', ''Superstar Duets'', ''Alyas Robin Hood'', ''Hahamakin ang Lahat'', ''Tsuperhero'' and ''Ika-6 na Utos''.
On April 21, 2017, President of the Philippines, Philippine President Rodrigo 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.
On March 9, 2018, GMA Network launched its new slogan "Buong Puso Para Sa Kapuso" (lit. Wholehearted for the One in Heart) with a new station ID. However, the network's current station ID in short version during the top/bottom of the hour in different variants before start the programs as well as during commercial breaks/reminders it also aired on its sister channel, GMA News TV. On August 27, 2018, GMA regional stations in DYXX-TV, Iloilo and DYGM-TV, Bacolod were upgraded again to originating station as GMA Western Visayas following the launch of the new regional news program ''One 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 their Digital terrestrial television, digitization project.
2020s
On January 1, 2020, GMA Network began the celebration of its 70th anniversary and its flagship international channel
GMA Pinoy TV
GMA Pinoy TV is a Philippine pay television channel that was launched in March 14, 2005, by GMA Network. Operated by its subsidiaries, GMA International and GMA Worldwide Inc, it is targeted towards the Philippine diaspora.
Programming
The ...
also began the celebration of its 15th anniversary with a variation of its current slogan: ''Buong Puso Para sa Pilipino'' (as GMA Network) and ''Buong Puso Para sa Kapuso Abroad'' (as GMA Pinoy TV). Along with their anniversary celebration, a new program lineup for 2020 was revealed, which was started by ''All-Out Sundays'', ''Descendants of the Sun (Philippine TV series), Descendants of the Sun'', the remake of the 1984 Philippine film ''Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday'', ''Love of My Life (Philippine TV series), Love of My Life'', Saturday edition of ''Wowowin'' (also dubbed as Wowowin Primetime), ''Centerstage'', ''Ilaban Natin 'Yan!'' (which was first known as "''Doon Tayo Sa Tama''"), and the remake of 1989 film ''Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (TV series), Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit''. Alongside, they also revealed future programs such as ''Alamat ng Agimat'', First Yaya, ''Sanggang Dikit'', Legal Wives, ''Babawiin Ang Lahat'' (retitled as ''Babawiin Ko ang Lahat'' in 2021), Seed of Love, ''Lolong'', ''Owe My Love'', ''Taiwan and Only'', ''Sing 4 Hearts'' and Catch Me Out Philippines.
On March 14, 2020, GMA Network announced the suspension of production of current programs, especially its live shows, due to Rodrigo Duterte, President Rodrigo Duterte implementing an 2020 Luzon enhanced community quarantine, enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and Luzon in line with restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Thus, the network aired reruns of some drama series, including ''Encantadia (2016 TV series), Encantadia'', ''Kambal, Karibal'', ''Ika-6 na Utos'', ''My Husband's Lover'', ''Onanay'' and ''Alyas Robin Hood''.
On August 24, 2020, GMA Network resumed production of current programs.
On April 5, 2022, GMA Network announced a deal with ABS-CBN Corporation that would allow Star Cinema films to air on GMA's local channels. On November 11, 2022, GMA Network announced a collaboration with ABS-CBN and Dreamscape Entertainment for a new drama series in 2023.
Digital terrestrial television
In February 2013, GMA Network admitted that it was conducting field tests of Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (
ISDB-T
Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB; Japanese: , ''Tōgō dejitaru hōsō sābisu'') is a Japanese broadcasting standard for digital television (DTV) and digital radio.
ISDB supersedes both the NTSC-J analog television system and th ...
), the Japanese 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. However, in October 2013, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a draft memorandum circular adopting the Japanese standard as the sole standard in the delivery of digital terrestrial TV (DTT) services in the Philippines. 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. 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 in Metro Manila.
Beginning September 2013, some of the programs of the network have been produced in high-definition television, high-definition format in preparation for the ongoing digital shift in the country while keeping digital on-screen graphics in 4:3 safe zone for their TV broadcast since the network is still broadcasting in 480i. The videos uploaded on their YouTube channel and third-party Over-the-top media service, OTT services on the other hand are presented in 720p and 1080p format. GMA Playground is an extension of the digital terrestrial television format of the GMA Network.
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. 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.
In preparation for the shift to digital, GMA New Media was working on a DTV set-top box (originally reported to be a DTV dongle) in order to compete with ABS-CBN's ABS-CBN TV Plus, TV Plus set-top box. A prototype was shown at the IMMAP DigiCon congress in 2016, and is shown to be running a version of Android (operating system), Android, double-acting as a streaming device capable of running apps and games. In June 2020, images of a DTV set-top box known as the GMA 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 population warning, emergency broadcast warning system with an auto-on alert feature. The GMA Affordabox became available on Lazada and Shopee that same month with a final price tag of ₱888. On December 12, 2020, a DTV mobile dongle which designed for USB On-The-Go, USB OTG-capable Android smartphones known as GMA Now was released on Lazada and Shopee, it costs ₱649 and it also has a video on demand feature to access GMA's exclusive online contents, a Live chat, web chat (Groupee Chat), and interactive games, which requires internet connection for these extra features.
On February 22, 2019, GMA Network announced that they will be investing ₱1 billion for the second phase of its Digital terrestrial television, digitization project.
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.
Ownership structure
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.
Branding
Network identity
On October 29, 1961, Loreto F. de Hemedes Inc. launches its first television station in the Philippines, known back then as DZBB-TV, RBS TV Channel 7. GMA Network began branding its identity by eliminating call signs to its network identification.
:*RBS TV Channel 7 (1961–1974) – From the success of its amplitude modulation band radio
DZBB,
Robert La Rue "Uncle Bob" Stewart launches its first television and the Philippines' fifth terrestrial channel, RBS TV Channel 7.
:* GMA Radio-Television Arts (1974–1992) – To ascertain its presence in its coverage area, the Greater Manila Area, RBS changed its name to GMA Radio-Television Arts after the takeover by the new management.
:* GMA Rainbow Satellite Network (Rainbow Network, 1992–1995) – When the network launched its satellite to widen its coverage area, GMA again rebranded its network identity on April 26, 1992.
:* GMA Network (Rainbow Network, 1995–2002) – In preparation for the 45th year of responsible broadcasting, GMA Rainbow Satellite was simplified to GMA Network.
:* GMA Network (Kapuso Network, 2002–present) – On October 27, 2002, GMA Network unveiled its new identity and catchphrase. In an effort to localize and transform its image into a more intrinsic Filipino network, GMA Network engaged in a rebranding course.
Logos
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 the Circle 7 logo for its Metro Manila and Cebu stations, which is also expended by several networks around the world (predominately the O&O stations of American Broadcasting Company, ABC 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, the network developed the logo before having it replaced by its current logo in 2002 and as the Kapuso Network.
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.
Slogans
"''Kapuso ng Bawat Pilipino''" ("One in Heart with Every Filipino") 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. (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. GMA Network found itself on the other end of a battle concerning the slogan, when ABS-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 current 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 celebrating
GMA Pinoy TV
GMA Pinoy TV is a Philippine pay television channel that was launched in March 14, 2005, by GMA Network. Operated by its subsidiaries, GMA International and GMA Worldwide Inc, it is targeted towards the Philippine diaspora.
Programming
The ...
's 15th anniversary.
Programming
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 of ''Unang Hirit''; the two-and-half-hour and three-hour Monday to Saturday noontime variety show ''
Eat Bulaga!
''Eat Bulaga!'' (), formerly ''Eat... Bulaga!'', is a noontime Philippine television variety show broadcast by GMA Network. Produced by TAPE Inc., it is the longest running variety show in the Philippines with over 13,000 episodes. Originally ...
'', early-afternoon drama (Afternoon Prime block), early and late-evening news programs (''
24 Oras
''24 Oras'' (pronounced as bente kwatro oras / ) is a Philippine television news broadcasting show broadcast by GMA Network. Originally anchored by Mel Tiangco and Mike Enriquez, it premiered on March 15, 2004, on the network's Telebabad line ...
'' and ''
Saksi
''Saksi'' () formerly ''Saksi: GMA Headline Balita'' and ''Saksi: Liga ng Katotohanan'' is a Philippine television news broadcasting show broadcast by GMA Network. Originally anchored by Mike Enriquez and Karen Davila, it premiered on October ...
'' respectively); primetime programming through its ''Telebabad'' block; late-night current affairs show produced by its news and public affairs department.
Competition
Programming competition started in 2004 when production of numerous GMA Network shows was up against its rival network,
ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN (an initialism of its two predecessors' names, Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast broadcast network, network tha ...
. Reality show ''Extra 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 producing ''Mars 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 by ''Encantadia'' at 47.2 percent and other prime-time "telefantasyas", ''Mulawin'' (2004) and ''Sugo'' (2005) contributed to GMA Network lead in Mega Manila. In 2006, GMA Network maintained its prime time supremacy by reformatting its reality-based program ''Extra Challenge'' and another "telefantasya" ''Encantadia'' (which was succeeded by ''Etheria'' and ''Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas''), and the localized subtitled versions of Korean television series ''Stairway to Heaven (South Korean TV series), Stairway to Heaven'', ''Full House (South Korean TV series), Full House'', ''Jewel in the Palace'' and ''My Lovely Sam Soon''.
In 2007, GMA Network started producing the local version of a Mexican television series ''Marimar (2007 TV series), MariMar''. 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 by Pulse 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.
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. 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. It earned ₱2.3 billion in 2007. 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 and 5 (TV channel), TV5'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.
Controversies
Copyright infringement with ABS-CBN
On July 22, 2004, during the arrival of Angelo de la Cruz at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (a truck driver who was held hostage and threatened with beheading in Iraq abducted by armed rebels west of Baghdad 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 of Reuters, which GMA Network subscribed to. 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 competitor ABS-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 the Copyright law of the Philippines, Intellectual 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. 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.
TV ratings
On December 20, 2007, Judge Charito Gonzales of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 80 released a temporary restraining order on TV ratings surveys based on a civil case filed by then ABS-CBN Corporation, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation (now ABS-CBN Corporation) versus AGB Nielsen Philippines, AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines. ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation accused competitor GMA Network Inc. of funding bribing operations in Bacolod City, to discredit the former. The local court in the Philippines further ordered ABS-CBN Broadcasting 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. On December 21, 2007, a local AM radio station in the Philippines, owned by ABS-CBN Broadcasting 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 of ''Showbiz Mismo'', hosted by Cristy Fermin and Jobert Sucaldito. The news story is based on an interview of AGB Nielsen general manager Maya Reforma regarding the purported cheating. In response, GMA Network Inc. aired a television plug reproving the purported unfair journalism and disagreed the accusations of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. GMA Network Inc. later filed a ₱15 million civil libel suit against ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation on January 3, 2008. The respondents included Hidalgo, Fermin, Sucaldito, the station and news manager of DZMM, writers and executive producers of television programs Bandila (TV program), ''Bandila'', ''Entertainment Live'' and The Buzz (talk show), ''The Buzz'' after the same story was aired locally. On January 7, 2008, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court junked ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation's suit against AGB Nielsen, saying the case was "prematurely filed" before the local court. Judge Gonzales' basis is the principle of mutuality of contracts, citing Article 1308 and 1196, New Civil Code of the Philippines. Also, Judge Samuel Gaerlan, Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 92 issued court summons against ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation and 15 of its personnel on January 3, 2008. 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 Broadcasting Corporation. The case was later re-raffled on January 28, 2008, 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.
Lawsuit against TV5
In December 2008, GMA Network Inc., Citynet Television, and
ZOE Broadcasting Network
ZOE Broadcasting Network, Inc. (ZOE TV) is a Philippine broadcast media arm of the Jesus Is Lord Church. Based in Ortigas Center, Pasig, it operates a network of television and radio stations each in Mega Manila, Puerto Princesa City, Visaya ...
filed a lawsuit against the management of 5 (TV channel), TV5, alleging MPB Primedia Inc. (a subsidiary of Media Prima Berhad, a Malaysian company, which entered a block time agreement with
Associated Broadcasting Company
TV5 Network Inc., commonly known as TV5, is a Philippine media company based in Mandaluyong, with its alternate studios located in Novaliches, Quezon City. It is primarily involved in radio and television broadcasting, with subsidiaries and ...
to sell the airtime of TV5) of violating Article XVI, Section 3, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. 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.
References
External links
Media Ownership Monitor Philippines - Televisionby VERA Files and Reporters Without Borders
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gma Network
GMA Network,
Television networks in the Philippines
Television in Metro Manila
Mass media companies of the Philippines
Digital terrestrial television in the Philippines
Peabody Award winners
1950 establishments in the Philippines
Television channels and stations established in 1961
Mass media companies established in 1950
Companies based in Quezon City
Filipino-language television stations
GMA Network (company) channels
Children's television networks