GMA network installs transmitter in Bacolod

GMA Network Inc. has spent P27 million for the installation of a transmitter in Bacolod City as part of an ongoing regional expansion program aimed at further maintaining its leadership in the broadcast industry.

The transmitter, covering an estimated 140,346 households, is located at the GMA Channel 10 office located at the corner of Rizal and Locsin Streets in Bacolod City.

With the new transmitter in full operations, Bacolod residents can now expect a clearer reception, via Channel 10 on free-to-air TV and Channel 7 on cable, of the day’s news.

Signal from the new transmitter covers an estimated 140,346 households including the entirety of Bacolod City as well as adjoining municipalities of Murcia, Silay and Bago.

GMA-7 has set aside P1 billion next year for the continued expansion of its regional operations and the establishment of two state-of-the-art studios to house more programs.

It aims to broaden its presence nationwide as it gears towards dominating provincial programming after leading in TV viewership ratings across Mega-Manila.

Apart from this, the network is improving its infrastructure in Dagupan, Naga and Batangas. New relay stations will also be built in Negros Island and Iligan City, while relay stations in Dumaguete, Cabarroguis, Jolo, Virac, Roxas and Leyte will be relocated to increase reach.

GMA has also lined up at least four movies for next year to capitalize on the success of its telenovelas.

GMA overtook its rival ABS-CBN in total day ratings in late December of 2003, but it began to decisively lead in ratings across all time blocks last September, including the most coveted early primetime block.