Retrenched ABS-CBN workers reacted via Twitter to the news that GMA Network was laying off some employees.
Writer-Producer Nick Villavecer posted a thread on his Twitter account. He expressed his dismay regarding the layoffs and discussed how it will affect the new generation of journalists.
I feel sorry for the GMA-7 employees who are affected by the layoffs. These are hardworking and talented people in the industry. I hope their management gives a displacement program for the terminated workers, similar to what ABS-CBN did to us.
— Nick Villavecer (@nickvillavecer) September 9, 2020
What this means to the industry: more media workers are now scrambling to secure slots in various news organizations. Less opportunities now for journalism fresh grads, with two leading networks already letting go of workers. It’s going to be much, much difficult to land a job.
— Nick Villavecer (@nickvillavecer) September 9, 2020
Also, fresh grads now have to compete with more experienced media workers displaced by the layoffs in looking for jobs. Comm students are probably thinking twice now if it is still practical to pursue journalism. The industry is already shrinking.
— Nick Villavecer (@nickvillavecer) September 9, 2020
Film Director and Producer Gino M. Santos posted his message of solidarity and expressed his sadness over the layoffs.
https://twitter.com/ginomsantos/status/1303752890259890176?fbclid=IwAR07-sj6YHP_df1mhajv3DSfaiI9TmL8Wi42HuewI3rEqfN2FIBSgZqVSSM
James Banaag said that he had friends in GMA News TV and that he is saddened by the news.
I have friends there! 😭 Nakakalungkot ito. https://t.co/abzb35XuPv
— James Banaag (@dearscarjames) September 9, 2020
Jolene, a new Media Journalist graduate expressed her concern about their struggles during the pandemic with companies making cuts in expenses.
https://twitter.com/saintberns/status/1303715890844688384
Lian Buan a Filipino Journalist for Rappler expressed her concerns about the security of tenure.
This is why security of tenure is important – to protect workers in cases like this, unprecedented as it is. https://t.co/uJjvWCpQYn
— Lian Buan (@lianbuan) September 9, 2020
A netizen also posted his sentiments over the impact of the pandemic on media networks.
Another mass lay off… this time sa GMA News TV naman. Mga contractuals…
Haaaaay…
grabe na talaga impact nitong pandemic na to.— simply_clinton (@Simply_Clinton) September 10, 2020
According to news source Rappler, GMA Network terminated staffers from GMA News TV (GNTV). The lay-off affected at least 10 news and public affairs program on GNTV.
The list includes programs that have been off-air since the start of the lockdown. They are the flagship newscast State of the Nation (SONA), the long-running afternoon newscast Balitanghali, Quick Response Team (QRT), and News TV Live.
According to Rappler, the management began notifying their staff about the layoffs on Tuesday, September 8. The affected employees received notifications from their superiors regarding the termination of their employment.
According to management, the off-air GNTV programs were to be terminated due to the uncertainty of the pandemic.
