GMA Network expands reach in Central Florida beginning March

Filipino viewers in Central Florida counties Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia now have the chance to watch their favorite Kapuso programs as Bright House Networks launched international channels GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV last March 10. "We are excited that we now have the chance to reach out to Filipino-American viewers in Central Florida via Bright House Networks. We are honored to share with them our highly innovative and top-rating Kapuso programs through GMA Pinoy and GMA Life TV," shared Joseph T. Francia, Vice President and Head of Operations for GMA International. GMA Pinoy TV is the flagship international channel of GMA Network which features top-rating news and public affairs shows and entertainment programs from the Kapuso Network. Initially made available in select areas since 2005, GMA Pinoy TV is fast becoming the preferred channel of Filipinos in the United States. Its projected worldwide subscriber base as of end-2010 totals 274,000 or 1.8 million viewers. GMA Life TV, in turn, is the network's second international channel which brings to spotlight the Filipino's colorful culture through a dynamic mix of various television genre – news, entertainment, and lifestyle features. On February 28, GMA Life TV further strengthened its position as the only international Filipino lifestyle channel by launching a new programming which points to celebrating life as it gets better. As of the fourth quarter of 2010, GMA Life TV has about 125,000 subscribers or about 800,000 viewers worldwide. Meanwhile, Bright House Networks also expressed excitement in bringing GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV programs to Central Florida. "Bright House Networks is pleased to offer GMA Networks' programming to our customers," said Kevin Hyman, Executive Vice President of Cable Operations for Bright House Networks. "Their award-winning news and public affairs offerings are extremely popular with our Filipino viewers." Bright House Networks is the sixth largest owner and operator of cable systems in the U.S. and the second largest in Florida, with its technologically advanced systems located in the five states of Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, and California. Bright House Networks serves more than 2.4 million customers who subscribe to one or more of its video, high-speed data, and voice services. The company also offers a full suite of phone, Internet, Ethernet, and cable television services to businesses of all sizes. Bright House Media Strategies, the advertising arm of Bright House Networks, offers businesses advanced targeted advertising solutions. The U.S. cable network operator also owns and operates exclusive local news and sports channels in its Florida markets.—JV, GMA News