'24 Oras' celebrates 20th anniversary

It has been 20 years since “24 Oras” aired its first episode!

According to the Kapuso network’s flagship newscast, it was GMA Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon’s idea to have Mel Tiangco and Mike Enriquez anchor the broadcasting show.

“Ako talaga ang nakaisip niyan. Sinuggest ko ‘yun at salamat sa Panginoon at tinanggap naman ng manonood, nagustuhan. That's one of the reasons why ‘24 Oras’ was number one,” Attorney Gozon said.

Sharing her reaction when she heard that she would be working with Enriquez, Tiangco said, “Naku! Nung nalaman ko na si Mike Enriquez ang magiging ka-partner ko, hala! Kumakabog, kabog, kabog!”

Even behind the camera, there was a great challenge for the first team behind “24 Oras.”

“Mike Enriquez na, Mel Tiangco pa. So kailangan tapatan natin ng sipag at ng husay sa pagbibigay ng content para sa mga kababayan natin dahil nandun na ‘yung mga pinaka-credible sa industriya eh,” pioneer executive producer and Senior Program Manager Antonio Magsumbol said.

It was during the midst of the 2004 elections when “24 Oras” first aired.

“Kahit na sino ang presidente, objective tayo at neutral eh. Hindi naman tayo kumikiling kahit kanino at naiintindihan naman ng kahit sino ang maging presidente, naiintindihan nila,” Attorney Gozon said.

He continued, “Sapagkat ang balita kailangan credible lalong lalo na sa panahon ngayon, napakaraming fake news. Iyan ang ating trademark at ‘yan ang ating minemaintain. Totoo ‘yan, hindi tagline lang.” —Carby Basina/NB, GMA Integrated News