Charles Teves
The GMA Network isn’t closing the door on forming more partnerships with rival ABS-CBN.
In an interview with Pep.Ph, GMA Chairman, and CEO Felipe L. Gozon revealed that the network is currently in talks with ABS-CBN to strike up new deals, which will be announced soon.
“Since we have already broken the ice with ABS-CBN, the door is now open for more possible partnerships. We are currently in discussions for another collaboration with them and we will announce this as soon as everything is finalized,” he said
“Also, we continuously strengthen existing and explore new partnerships with different entertainment firms,” he added.
Earlier in April, the two media giants struck a deal allowing Star Cinema movies to air on the Kapuso network.
GMA Network President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit Jr. said the collaboration benefits the viewers more than anything.
“To us, we are very pleased because the significance of our partnership today ushers in the possibility of a far broader set of conversations, potential partnerships, and cooperation that will have the benefit not only mutually to GMA and ABS-CBN, but as importantly, if not perhaps more importantly, to the benefit of the public we both serve—the Filipino viewer,” he said.
“Looking forward, since we have, as they say, broken the ice, there is great optimism that these conversations will start and continue, and we look forward to the possibility of this type of an opportunity again moving forward,” he added.
GMA-7 First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan, the man overseeing the airing of ABS-CBN movies on GMA, was just as excited as anyone.
“Sa tagal ko pong nagpo-programming ng network at sa pagbili ng pelikula, tuwang-tuwa po ako na after having a lot of relationships with other majors ay madadagdagan na naman po tayo ng isang grupo na tinitingala ko magmula pa nung una.
“Maraming salamat, Star Cinema at ABS-CBN. And I am inviting everyone to witness this momentous affair.”
ABS-CBN President and Chief Executive Officer Carlo L. Katigbak said he hopes Kapuso viewers enjoy the Star Cinema movies.
“Every storyteller’s dream is to have as many people as possible experience their creations.
“Now, because of the kindness of our friends at GMA, we have the special opportunity to bring our Kapamilya stories to a new audience.
“We hope the Kapusos find joy and inspiration in viewing our Star Cinema movies, and we also look forward to a new era of friendship and cooperation within our small industry.
“Maraming salamat, Chairman Gozon, Jimmy, Annette, Philip, Joey, Joel, and all our other friends at GMA who have made this partnership happen. Maraming maraming salamat po.” he said during the virtual event.
On July 28, Katigbak said ABS-CBN could “return to profitability possible in near term” two years after Congress denied its bid for franchise renewal.
“We hope to continue with GMA as well as other partners here and abroad as part of our declared mission to reach audiences everywhere,” he said at the ABS-CBN’s Annual Shareholders Meeting.
The network seeks to form as many partnerships as possible and produce more content.
“We continue to work with TV5 and other partners. As of today, our partnership has taken the form of content licensing and content sharing agreements,” he added.
ABS-CBN’s content is currently being aired on A2Z, GMA7, and TV5, and also has ongoing partnerships with streaming platforms Netflix and VIU.
Katigbak noted that a House of Representatives member is already working on reviving the network but said, “at this time, we have yet to decide whether a new franchise is aligned with our strategic plans.”
