Showcase: GMA Network

October 10, 2024 Kristin Brzoznowski

Solidifying its reputation as a global content powerhouse, the Philippines’ broadcast media giant GMA Network continues to expand its reach across multiple platforms and audiences worldwide through programs that showcase Filipino storytelling.

A prime example is Widows’ War, GMA’s latest crime drama series. With Filipino talent and themes taking center stage, the show is poised to capture global audiences.

Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA Network’s senior VP for programming, talent management, worldwide and support group and president and CEO of GMA Films, credits the network’s commitment to storytelling that is compelling and firmly and proudly Filipino. She also highlights how GMA blends creativity with technology, enabling seamless distribution across multiple platforms and extending GMA’s reach into new markets.

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“GMA Network always has a keen eye on the horizon,” she says. “We are always driven to explore new opportunities for growth and expansion, for new territories that will enjoy our programs.”

While TV viewing remains vital for the Network, GMA is also focused on further strengthening its digital presence. “TV viewing is still very much part of the blueprint of GMA Network,” says Gozon-Valdes. “To date, we have expanded our operations to 111 TV stations and 21 radio stations throughout the Philippines, with more to follow. Yet we also see further opportunities in the digital space for GMA to firmly establish its presence to a growing online audience.”

The steps undertaken by the network involve diversifying its digital content offerings. By creating and producing dramas with daring themes and cutting-edge stories unlike any other while also repurposing exclusive digital content, GMA is able to drive audience growth and further improve engagement.

Widows’ War, she says, is set to attract global audiences with its “gripping storyline” featuring two former best friends who go head-to-head in finding out who between them is the real sinner or saint. They cross paths while mourning their husbands and soon end up as suspects in their sudden deaths. As the women are torn between becoming allies to clear their names or further tearing each other down, they uncover a web of lies and deceit.

Each episode keeps viewers at the edge of their seats as the murder mystery unravels, and the universal themes of marriage, justice and love also ensure audiences worldwide will keep tuning in.

“These themes will always appeal to a broad global audience,” explains Gozon-Valdes. “Besides the exploration of love and betrayal lending further depth to the narrative, Widows’ War boasts of visually stunning cinematography and top-notch production values. With the visual appeal these bring, coupled with edgy storytelling, Widows’ War transcends language and cultural barriers.”

When it comes to entertainment that appeals to diverse cultures, GMA Network is an “undisputed leader,” says Gozon-Valdes. Book 1 and Book 2 of the English-dubbed version of its longest-running and top-rated medical series Hands on the Dream are set to premiere in over 40 countries in Africa soon. This is just one among the achievements of GMA Network in content distribution in 2024, which includes its vast library of world-class Filipino content now available in the Middle East, distributed through major OTT platforms such as evision, Viu, STARZ ON and Netflix.

GMA Network’s original program Crimson Invasion (Pulang Araw), widely regarded as the most important Filipino TV series of 2024, remains hugely popular on Netflix Philippines, where it is consistently in the top ten. Set during World War II in the Philippines, it traces the intertwined lives of four childhood friends as war ravages their homeland.

As the company gears toward 2025, Gozon-Valdes considers MIPCOM an opportunity to increase GMA’s global reach further. “At this year’s MIPCOM, we aim to discuss our content needs and requirements for 2025, ensuring that our offerings align with the upcoming programming strategies of our clients.”

She adds, “The network offers quality and diverse content, which is hoped will open doors in the European market, giving us more opportunities to expand our reach within the international market.”

With GMA Network continuing to strengthen its global reach, it maintains its commitment to proudly Filipino content. “We will continue to showcase the rich storytelling and unique perspectives of Filipino content, advocating for Filipino content on the global stage,” says Gozon-Valdes.