A new era of the so-called “network wars” – and network alliances – is about to dawn on Philippine television.
In a bid to counter the continued stronghold of the “TVJ” (Tito, Vic and Joey) trio on TV5, ABS-CBN’s primetime noon show “It’s Showtime” is now set to be aired on GMA Network, starting April 6.
Present in the recent contract signing from the GMA Network are its Chairman, Atty. Felipe L. Gozon; President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong; and Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management Worldwide, and Support Group, and GMA Films President and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes.
On the other hand, present from ABS-CBN are Chairman Mark L. Lopez, President and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak, Chief Operating Officer Cory V. Vidanes, and Group Chief Financial Officer Rick B. Tan.
“GMA Network extends a heartfelt reception to the whole ‘It’s Showtime’ family and considers it a welcome addition to the growing list of program offerings for its Kapuso viewers nationwide and abroad,” a joint statement from the two media networks stated.
“ABS-CBN and ‘It’s Showtime,’ meanwhile, express their sincere gratitude to GMA Network for opening its doors and providing a new platform to bring entertainment and happiness to more viewers across the country.”
“It’s Showtime” will also air on GMA’s GTV Channel.
The new partnership comes after TAPE Inc’s “Tahanang Pinakamasaya,” which replaced “Eat Bulaga” on GMA’s noontime slot after the TVJ group’s departure, decided to stop airing since last March 8.
To recall, ABS-CBN also confirmed that “It’s Showtime” had stopped airing on TV5, where it has resumed airing some of its programs after losing its congressional franchise in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, since July 1, 2023.
ABS-CBN had also reportedly declined TV5’s offer for the 4:30 p.m. time slot.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #ItsShowtimeonGMA7 #EatBulaga #TVJ