GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corp., once fierce competitors, are likely to deepen their partnership as GMA Network hints at future collaborative projects, especially with the success of the noontime show ‘It’s Showtime’ boosting ratings for the Kapuso channel.
GMA Network President and CEO Gilberto Duavit Jr. highlighted the “smooth” collaboration with the Lopez-led media company during a virtual stockholders’ meeting on Wednesday. This partnership began after ABS-CBN lost its free TV franchise in 2020, leading to new opportunities for both networks.
“The collaboration between GMA and ABS-CBN with the respect to the airing of It’s Showtime is actually preceded by a number of partnerships, all of which have been smooth, been characterized by reasonableness, and have benefitted all the parties,” Duavit said.
‘It’s Showtime’ started airing on GMA Network’s channel in April, following its run on GTV (Good Television) since last year. Duavit noted the show’s increasing audience, led by popular hosts like Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis.
“Having said that, there is no reason not to assume that there may be future collaborations or partnerships,” he added.
“The ratings have been improved quite substantially in comparison to the ratings of the noon-time program which it replaced,” Duavit stated, referring to ‘Tahanang Pinakamasaya,’ previously managed by Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc.
While specific TV ratings were not disclosed, it was reported that GMA Network ranked first in audience share based on Nielsen National Urban TV Audience Measurement, with 44.1 percent, and Nielsen Total Philippines, with 41.8 percent in 2023.
Last year, GMA Network and ABS-CBN signed a historic co-production agreement for the TV series ‘Unbreak My Heart,’ featuring artists from both networks. Additionally, GMA Network’s international channels, including GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV, along with select on-demand programs, are now available on ABS-CBN’s iWantTFC.
Despite the positive outlook for future collaborations, GMA Network reported a 66 percent decline in net income to P204.12 million in the first quarter, attributed to a drop in advertising revenues and an increase in total operating expenses.
As the two networks continue to explore new collaborative ventures, the strengthened relationship between GMA and ABS-CBN marks a significant shift in the Philippine media industry, paving the way for more innovative and cooperative projects.
