GMA launches shows for News TV

MANILA, Philippines - It was a night of celebration as GMA Network recently introduced to its industry partners the biggest news on Philippine television — GMA News TV on Channel 11.

GMA News TV is a free news and public affairs channel. It will begin airing on Feb. 28.

Partners, GMA News TV program hosts and personalities, the press and GMA Network officers led by chairman and CEO lawyer Felipe Gozon, president and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr., GMA Marketing and Productions, Inc. president and COO Lizelle Maralag, SVP for News and Public Affairs Marissa Flores, SVP for Entertainment TV Wilma Galvante and GMA News TV head Nessa Valdellon were present at the event held at A. Venue in Makati City.

Some of the biggest and most respected names in broadcast journalism were on hand to introduce their programs. Jessica Soho, anchor of GMA News TV’s flagship primetime newscast State of the Nation with Jessica Soho and of the news magazine program Brigida was the evening’s main host.

Joining her were Mike Enriquez (Dobol B sa News TV), Vicky Morales (Good News), Arnold Clavio (Balita Pilipinas) and Howie Severino (News to Go). Mel Tiangco, in turn, is at the forefront of the public affairs program Powerhouse.

Political analyst Prof. Winnie Monsod (Bawal ang Pasaway Kay Mareng Winnie!) and investigative journalist and Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) executive director Malou Mangahas (Investigative Documentaries) also graced the event.

Also present were Kara David (News to Go), Ivan Mayrina and Connie Sison (On Call), Jun Veneracion, RJ Ledesma and Jace Flores (Best Men), Susan Enriquez and Cesar Apolinario (I Juander), Tonipet Gaba (Pop Talk), Solenn Heussaff (Fashbook), Drew Arellano (Weekend Getaway), Chino Trinidad and Patricia Hizon (Game!), and Rhian Ramos (Spotlight: The Showbiz Newscast).

Pepe Smith with his children rocked the house as he introduced the reality program The Smiths.

Also part of the GMA News TV line-up are Ramon Bautista’s (MAY) TAMANG BALITA, which marks the return of the mock newscast; The Main Event, which features the most exciting line-up of both current and classic sporting events; and the shows Front Row and Reel Time, which will provide cinematic and family-friendly documentaries every weekend.

The evening’s program also underscored the fact that GMA News TV is the viewer’s station; one that recognizes the growing and insistent public clamor for relevant and credible news reportage that only GMA News and Public Affairs can deliver. “We are responding to viewers’ requests for timely news updates in Filipino and for public affairs shows in primetime with this groundbreaking news channel,” says Nessa Valdellon.

With newscasts and public affairs programs from morning to night, GMA News TV steps up to the challenge of delivering worthwhile content which provides viewers with the knowledge that could perhaps effect change in their lives, families and communities.

“We are excited that GMA News TV gives us the opportunity to expand the delivery of serbisyong totoo — with more airtime for news and with public affairs programming now on early primetime. We hope to make a difference through quality programs and fair, balanced, responsible reporting — which have long been the trademark of GMA News and Public Affairs,” says Flores.