In a recent statement, TV5 addressed the decision of ABS-CBN to decline their offer of a new airtime slot for ‘It’s Showtime.’
The decline was followed by the show’s move to GMA Network’s GTV. TV5 President and CEO Guido Zaballero emphasized their respect for ABS-CBN’s decision, highlighting the importance of prioritizing Filipino viewers’ interests.
On June 20, during a media interview, Zaballero expressed TV5’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with ABS-CBN despite the departure of ‘It’s Showtime’ from their lineup.
“Unang-una, they continue to be our partners and we respect their decision. And pinakaimportante kasi is, at the end of the day, panalo ‘yung Filipino viewers, ‘di ba?” Zaballero stated.
Jane Jimenez-Basas, President and CEO of MediaQuest Holdings Inc., also acknowledged the need to prioritize TVJ’s new show, as they are now co-producers of the program.
“I’d like to add the difference is that the relationship with Showtime and that contract which was actually set to expire by the end of June, is a blocktime relationship. This time around, we are co-owners, and co-investors in TVJ Productions,” Jimenez-Basas explained.
“So ‘yung title ng kung ano man ‘yung show namin, mas invested kami kasi produkto na namin, ‘di ba? So it just really makes sense through a business standpoint to put it in the timeslot that is best for it,” she added.
She then further elaborated that the proposed ‘4:30PM-6:30PM’ airtime slot offered to ‘It’s Showtime’ was carefully selected based on the show’s target audience, predominantly comprised of younger viewers.
“We did offer an alternative timeslot. And in our humble opinion, that timeslot which is the 4:30-6:30. It is best for it because it has a younger viewership eh. Bata ang mga nanonood ng ‘It’s Showtime.’ Sabi nga ni Boss MVP (Manny Pangilinan) no, ultimately it is their decision. And I believe as of this morning, that decision is to move that show out of TV5,” Jimenez-Basas shared.
Following Jimenez-Basas’ statement, PLDT and TV5 Chairman Manny Pangilinan reassured that they have not neglected their obligations to ABS-CBN in terms of existing arrangements, affirming their commitment to continued partnerships with the leading content provider in the country.
“Hindi kami nagkulang sa pagtulong sa ABS. We’re proud of what we have done for them, ‘di ba? We continue to have arrangements with them in terms of their content. We have not forsaken our duty to them,” Pangilinan emphasized.
Despite ‘It’s Showtime’ leaving TV5, the relationship and partnership between TV5 and ABS-CBN networks remain amicable and intact.
Starting July 1, both ‘It’s Showtime’ and TVJ’s soon-to-be-named noontime show will be seen on GMA’s GTV and TV5, respectively. ‘It’s Showtime’ can still be enjoyed through various platforms including A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and iWantTFC, ensuring its wide accessibility to viewers on weekdays.
