THE PHILIPPINES, JULY 9, 2012: GMA Network, Inc. has extended its global reach by launching its international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV in North America and the Middle East.
In February, GMA News TV International was launched in the Middle East via Etisalat. GMA News TV International, first seen overseas in the third quarter of 2011, is now offered in more places with high concentration of global Pinoys.
The network’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV strengthened its presence in North America in March via Shaw Cablesystems G.P., reaching Filipino households in select areas of Greater Vancouver including Newton, Fleetwood, Richmond, Cloverdale, and North Shore. Shaw is one of the largest cable television providers in Canada.
GMA News TV International was also launched in Canada in the same month via MTS Allstream in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Meanwhile, Northern Canada’s communications and entertainment leader Northwestel made it possible for GMA Pinoy TV to be seen in the communities of Whitehorse, Yukon, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (NWT), Fort Nelson, and British Columbia (BC).
GMA Life TV – the second international channel of GMA Network known for its lifestyle programs with Pinoy flavor – is also now seen via Bell TV. The channel was included in Bell TV’s lineup just last June 21, and is expected to increase its worldwide viewership of one million as new subscribers are added to its current roster reaching up to 118,000.
According to Joseph T. Francia, vice president and head of operations for GMA International, the launches are part of the Network’s continuous efforts to bring more and more Filipinos abroad closer to home.
By September, GMA International aims to make GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International available in Malaysia via ABN, and GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International in Canada via Telus.
"Filipinos abroad can definitely expect a wider coverage from the Network by the second half of this year as GMA International targets to reach more Pinoy subscribers, specifically those in the U.S. and the Asia Pacific," said Francia.
