Inquirer.net interviewed GMA Network board director Annette Gozon-Valdes on what’s happening on the other side of the fence after the shutdown of ABS-CBN.
When asked if the TV experience will now be less exciting since there will no be a competition anymore, the programming consultant to the chair/CEO of GMA Network answered, “There will always be competition in the TV industry. In fact, the competitive landscape of TV is fiercer than ever before.”
She also mentioned that ABS-CBN is not the only competition that they have, especially today streaming/entertainment platforms such as Netflix are one of the top streaming platforms that others can access.
“With the proliferation of multiple channels on many platforms, not to mention the emergence of OTT (over-the-top) platforms like Netflix, iflix, Viu, Amazon, iTunes, etc. Competition is no longer just limited to Philippine content, but now, it’s also content from around the world.”
GMA is not backing down as well, Gozon-Valdes mentioned that the network is adapting to a digital platform in the time of COVID-19.
“We have recently launched our digital TV receiver, GMA Affordabox, and our digital channel, Heart of Asia. During this time, our shows and stars have been involved in several shows online. Some of which are online counterparts of their ongoing programs, as taping schedules are currently limited.”
But the real question is, now that ABS0CBN is not in the competition, is this a good advantage to their network? Annette Gozon-Valdes admitted that, ‘I cannot deny that our ratings have increased significantly.’
But netizens seem to disagree that despite the network has increased their ratings they believe GMA network is not delivering ‘quality’ shows and some people are just tolerating GMA Network’s shows.
With only GMA 7 in the competition, expect more trash shows from them. Trash na nga nung may kakumpetensya pa how much more ngayon. 😂 Isaksak sa mga tao ang walang kataste taste at kaclass class na show ng GMA 😂 . Buti nalang talaga may IWant.
— Robi Acain 🎀🌷🎀 (@robbieacain) July 25, 2020
Ang tanga lang kung hindi di ba?
May CHOICE PA BA eh IILAN LANG naman ang mga channels?!🙄
Parang…
5 carinderia sa bayan, pinasara ang isa.. natural titiisin ng mga customer kahit NAKAKASUKA.🙄
— ToniSpeakeasy 🇵🇭 (@ToniSpeakEasy) July 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/HighJumperX/status/1286822331638153217?s=20
And opportunistically, GMA suddenly pulled out a TV box out of their ass after ABS kicked the bucket.
Coinkidinkle?
— zanard (@megatonton) July 24, 2020
Yung ikaw nalang ang natira pero hindi ka parin pinili.😂 coz @ABSCBN is the one and only the best… pic.twitter.com/QZO1uz6C9i
— Ibalik Ang ABS-CBN (@just_shutup_143) July 25, 2020
Furthermore, Gozon-Valdes said now that the TV industry will need to face the new normal protocol because of the pandemic.
“We’re starting to resume production gradually and with caution. We have extensive guidelines for production in place that we have developed after consultation with medical experts. Inside our premises, safety precautions are strictly observed.”
“These include temperature monitoring before entry, regular disinfection of work areas, set up of alcohol dispensers and footbaths in each floor, and employees are required to submit a daily health monitoring form prior to arrival.”
