GMA News TV starts today

MANILA, Philippines - For the past six months, the men and women of GMA News and Public Affairs have been busy working on an idea - that the country is ready for an all-news and documentary channel on free TV.

That idea - and their effort - will come to fruition today, Feb. 28, as GMA News TV goes on the air, providing the Filipino viewer with a compelling viewing alternative.

Hourly newscasts, live coverage, in-depth documentaries, never-before-seen reality formats, and hard-hitting investigative programs – all on easily accessible free TV Channel 11 – make GMA News TV worth the long wait.

“Importante sa amin na alam ninyo,” states GMA News TV’s station ID. And the free to air news and public affairs channel – from the only broadcast news organization in the Philippines to have won the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award – stays true to that commitment by expanding the Kapuso brand of serbisyong totoo.

For GMA News TV, an informed Filipino audience is an empowered Filipino audience. With this in mind, the channel will provide substantial airtime for live events, important hearings and in-depth discussions of current issues.

Its newscasts kick off bright and early with Dobol B Sa News TV, the simulcast from the network’s flagship radio station DZBB, hosted by GMA News pillar Mike Enriquez. GMA News Online’s Editor-in-Chief Howie Severino and Peabody winner Kara David soon follow with the morning program News to Go.

Jessica Soho, also a Peabody winner and widely regarded as the country’s most awarded broadcast journalist, anchors GMA News TV’s flagship evening newscast, State Of The Nation With Jessica Soho. She is also at the forefront of Brigada – from the highly successful 1990s program that launched the careers of many broadcast journalists – as mentor to today’s generation of reporters.

Arnold Clavio anchors Balita Pilipinas, which features the week’s biggest headlines from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Vicky Morales brings the audience Good News, a one of a kind newscast that celebrates positive news about the country. Mel Tiangco, in turn, hosts Powerhouse, a show that gives viewers a rare glimpse into the private lives of the country’s most powerful individuals.

Much-admired economist and professor Winnie Monsod banners Bawal Ang Pasaway Kay Mareng Winnie!, a program that acts as a government watchdog on the air.

Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) Executive Director Malou Mangahas hosts Investigative Documentaries. Joining her as members  of the program’s board of advisers are veteran journalists Sheila Coronel of Columbia University, Marites Vitug of Newsbreak, Ed Lingao of the PCIJ, Grace dela Peña-Reyes, Head of GMA News Operations and Florian Tarcelo-Balmes of GMA News Research.

Concerns, grievances and complaints against government agencies  are addressed by the daily afternoon program On Call hosted by Ivan Mayrina and Connie Sison.  On Call will provide on the spot assistance to those seeking help by helping them get in touch with the proper agency or authority.

Reporters Susan Enriquez and Cesar Apolinario host I Juander, a myth-busting program that reintroduces Filipinos to interesting aspects of Pinoy culture. Jun Veneracion, RJ Ledesma and Jace Flores host Best Men, a program that acquaints viewers with a guy’s point of view. Tonipet Gaba delivers Pop Talk, a review show that gives a thumbs up to certain movies, gadgets, food, events and happening places.

“It” girl Solenn Heussaff empowers viewers with Fashbook, a makeover show that also focuses on inner beauty. Weekend Getaway, hosted by Drew Arellano, is a reality-travel show for real weekend warriors. Game!, hosted by Chino Trinidad, is the ultimate source of information on Pinoy sports. Daily showbiz newscast In The Limelight, with Rhian Ramos, offers more than just showbiz gossip.

The mock newscast makes a triumphant – and wacky! – return to television with (May) Tamang Balita, hosted by comedian and internet sensation Ramon Bautista. All Sports, the Sunday sports event program, features the most exciting lineup of both current and classic sporting events.

Pinoy rock icon Pepe Smith, with his equally engaging children, rock the house on the reality program The Smiths. Providing cinematic and family-friendly documentaries every weekend are Front Row and Reel Time.