Gozon on possible GMA-TV5 merger: 'MVP won't let up'

The rumored merger between television networks GMA7 and TV5 hasn't happened yet, according to GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, but he also confirmed that negotiations are still ongoing. "Dahil sa pangunguna natin sa ratings at nananatiling nakakainggit ang ating financial performance, hindi nawawala ang interes ng ilang businessman —partikular ang grupo ni MVP— na bilhin ang ating kumpanya. Katulad ng nasabi ko na, totoo namang maraming interesado sa atin," Gozon said at the network's annual Family Day held in Enchanted Kingdom on Saturday. (Because of our lead in ratings and our enviable financial performance, several businessmen —particularly MVP's group— are looking to buy our company. Like I've always said, a lot of people are interested in us.)  "Sa kasalukuyan, wala pa namang agreement na nagaganap, taliwas sa mga nailathala sa pahayagan. Pero hindi ko masasabi na walang agreement na magaganap dahil hindi naghihinto si MVP," he said. (Right now, no agreement has taken place, contrary to what's been published in the newspapers. But I also can't say that an agreement won't take place, because MVP just won't let up.) Gozon also quoted a text message from Pangilinan, who denied rumors of a done deal that circulated during his recent visit to the US to promote TV5: "You know, all I said was: 'Please support TV5 here in the States. And by the way, please support GMA7 too' —since [US-based satellite television provider] Dish carries GMA. That was all. No mention of merger, investment, combination. Sure, some people speculated and all I said was I can now say we're under discussion but nothing finalized at this time," Pangilinan was quoted as saying. Gozon stopped short of guaranteeing to his audience of network employees that they would keep their jobs in case of a change in ownership. But he did say that any new management would have more than second thoughts about replacing officers and employees who are "the best in the industry." — TJD, GMA News