GMA widens local reach, ABS-CBN pushes global

MANILA, Philippines — Leading broadcasting company GMA Network Inc. has grown its nationwide reach by expanding its portfolio of analog and digital stations, particularly in rural areas, resulting in a total of 101 stations.

These comprise 79 analog transmitters and 22 digital broadcasters.

GMA Network is broadening its provincial reach by opening a new digital terrestrial TV station in San Pablo, Laguna and regional facility in Ilocos Norte.

In March GMA Network established a local station in Ilocos Norte to bolster its news coverage in the Ilocos Region and Central Luzon. GMA Ilocos Norte became the fifth regional station of the network in Luzon and the 12th of its kind across the archipelago.

At present, GMA Network manages five regional stations in Luzon, three in Visayas, as well as four in Mindanao. In Luzon, it maintains provincial hubs in Batangas, Bicol, Dagupan and Ilocos Sur, on top of the new facility in Ilocos Norte.

With an expanded reach nationwide, GMA Network improves the quality of viewing experience for consumers, enhancing the clarity of shows transmitted to digital receivers GMA Affordabox and GMA Now.

Meanwhile, media giant ABS-CBN Corp. has elevated its global expansion endeavors by strengthening its partnership with the esteemed global manager, United Talent Agency (UTA).

UTA, represented by its head of business development Max Michael and music agent Janet Kim, paid ABS-CBN a visit to meet with network executives and attend contract signings.

ABS-CBN Global chief operating officer Aldrin Cerrado said ABS-CBN is committed to its goal of becoming a major player in the global industry. Since losing its free TV franchise, the network has gone on to sign international deals for the airing and streaming of content on digital channels like Netflix and Viu.

“With UTA’s expertise and network, we hope to explore opportunities for our business verticals, as well as have our offerings on the forefront of the media and entertainment industry where they can generate full impact on reach and engagement,” Cerrado said.

In February ABS-CBN signed a consultancy partnership with UTA for the internationalization of its artists and content.