GMA allots funds to acquire additional equipment

MANILA, Philippines - GMA Network Inc., the Philippines’ leading broadcast company, has allotted funds to acquire transmitters and equipment intended to boost signal quality in key provinces nationwide. More than P200 million has been allocated for the initiative, which will support its aim of “gaining superiority in TV ratings nationwide," the company said in a statement. The acquisition of additional equipment will allow GMA Network Inc. to capitalize on its lead in TV ratings in viewer-rich Mega Manila as well as in Northern, Central, and Southern Luzon. “We are confident that once we have finished all our signal upgrade projects in the regions, our TV ratings in key regional areas will improve as our superior programs will be better appreciated by viewers nationwide," GMA Chairman, President, and CEO Felipe L. Gozon said. In Bonbon, Cebu City, GMA spent P69.8 million to purchase a new redundant solid-state transmitter for higher on-air availability along with the upgrade of the antenna system. The new transmitter was commissioned on October 6. Meanwhile, tower reinforcement is currently being undertaken and a new antenna system will be acquired for GMA’s originating station in Davao. Other areas in the Visayas and Mindanao that will undergo upgrades next year include Capiz, Leyte, Bohol, Dipolog and Ozamis. Viewers in these areas will enjoy better signal quality since regional stations will be provided with new transmitters, antenna systems, and support equipment/ GMA’s transmitter facilities in Naga, Catanduanes, and Occidental Mindoro will also undergo upgrades next year while TV relay stations in Rizal, Mountain Province, and Isabela will be activated, the company said. - GMANews.TV