GMA: There's no reason not to assume future collaborations with ABS-CBN

GMA Network Inc. on Wednesday hinted at more collaborations with ABS-CBN in the future, following the recent partnership on the airing of “It’s Showtime” in the firm’s main free-to-air television channel in April.

During the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting, GMA president and chief executive officer Gilberto Duavit Jr. said the previous partnerships with ABS-CBN have been beneficial for both parties, and hinted at more in the future.

“The collaboration between GMA and ABS-CBN with respect to the airing of 'It’s Showtime' was actually preceded by a number of other partnerships, all of which have been very smooth and characterized by reasonableness and have benefitted all the parties,” he said.

“Having said that, there is no reason not to assume that there may be future collaborations or partnerships in the future,” he added.

To recall, GMA Network and ABS-CBN earlier partnered with Viu Philippines for the 'Unbreak My Heart' series, which was top-billed by Joshua Garcia, Gabbi Garcia, Richard Yap, and Jodi Sta. Maria.

'It’s Showtime', produced by ABS-CBN, made its debut on the main GMA channel on April 6, 2024, after being aired on GTV (Good Television) since July 1, 2023.

In welcoming 'It’s Showtime' to the GMA Network, chairman Felipe Gozon said that the TV network war was “finally over,” adding that this would benefit the viewers moving forward.

“The ratings have improved quite substantially in comparison to the ratings of the program it replaced, the noontime program that it replaced, quite substantially,” Duavit said.

“Further to that, well, as far as the revenue is concerned, the agreement surrounding 'It’s Showtime' will more or less or effectively compensate for the prior agreement we had with TAPE Incorporated, so it will be practically awash, practically awash,” he added.

'It’s Showtime' replaced Tahanang Pinakamasaya, which was produced by Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc., which ended its run on air effective March 8, 2024. —KG, GMA Integrated News