GMA Network ready for analog exit

MANILA, Philippines — Broadcast leader GMA Network Inc. is ready to turn off its analog services in compliance with a regulatory directive, but it expects the government to chip in on helping affected viewers.

At the annual stockholders’ meeting, GMA president and CEO Gilberto Duavit Jr. confirmed the network is prepared to turn off its main transmitters for analog connections on Nov. 22. 

In November 2025, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a memorandum circular directing the shutdown of analog broadcasts in Mega Manila after 12 months, which was set on Nov. 22.

Duavit said GMA has invested in digital infrastructure to accommodate the eventual removal of analog network in the Philippines.

To date, GMA operates the largest digital presence among TV broadcasters.

However, Duavit said given the deadline, the network has failed to come up with an assessment on how many viewers would be affected. What GMA is sure of is that it has a sufficient number of digital devices to cater to first time digital subscribers.

Citing meetings with regulators, Duavit said the government is also eyeing to help the remaining consumers in the analog market to shift to digital subscription.

“What we understand is that the government is making provisions for extending assistance to the disenfranchised viewers, (and) this has been the subject of discussions with government agencies involved,” Duavit said.

“And so far, there appears to be at least as far as we understand, a program that will be launched in parallel with the shutdown to address that,” he said.

GMA currently covers 90 percent of the population from Luzon to Mindanao.

Duavit said the network is ahead of the task, ready for analog shutoffs even in areas outside of Mega Manila.

He said GMA is trying to cover as many bases as possible in the digital era.

The network also launched its own streaming platform called GMA Play, where it monetizes access to its original content and third-party licenses.

GMA is coming off a six-percent profit growth to P2.2 billion in 2025, as its revenue went up by three percent to P18.12 billion due to political ads during the 2025 midterm elections.

However, the challenge remains to be outside of the election cycle, as GMA took an 87-percent plunge in its profit to P102.47 million in the first quarter as revenues fell harder than expenses.