GMA-7 expects to conclude deal with Orbit soon

Leading broadcasting firm GMA Network Inc. expects to conclude an agreement with Orbit, the biggest cable provider in the Middle East, by the end of the year.

GMA president Felipe Gozon said the agreement calls for the carriage of GMA Pinoy TV, the international channel of GMA.

Gozon said the company hopes to penetrate Europe, Rome and England next year to tap the huge market of overseas Filipino workers in these areas.

GMA Pinoy TV can now be seen in Japan, Guam and the United States.

At the same time, Gozon said the network has set aside P1 billion next year for the continued expansion of its regional operations and the establishment of two state-of-the-art studios to house more programs.

Gozon said the network aims to broaden its presence nationwide as it gears towards dominating provincial programming after unanimously leading in TV viewership ratings across Mega-Manila.

He said the network will improve its infrastructure in Dagupan, Naga and Batangas. New relay stations will be built in Negros Island and Iligan City, while relay stations in Dumaguete, Cabarroguis, Jolo, Virac, Roxas and Leyte will be relocated to increase reach.

The network is also preparing to construct a TV station in Bacolod City after having been granted by a television frequency by the National Telecommunications Commission.

Aside from this, GMA has lined up at least four movies for next year to capitalize on the success of its telenovelas.

GMA began overtaking its rival, ABS-CBN in total day ratings since late December of 2003, but it began to decisively lead in ratings across all time blocks last September, including the most coveted early primetime block.

GMA is now debt-free after it fully settled a P1.9 billion five-year loan using internally generated funds. It paid more than P543 million in principal and interest last Feb. 28.

The loan, drawn in 2000, was used by GMA to upgrade its facilities and infrastructure and improve its production capabilities.

Majority shareholders of GMA include the Gozon family which holds 35 percent, the Jimenezes (35 percent), and the Duavit family (30 percent).