About GMA
GMA, officially GMA Network, Inc., is one of the largest and most influential media and entertainment companies in the Philippines. Commonly known as the Kapuso Network, it is a publicly listed broadcasting company headquartered in Diliman, Quezon City. The company operates nationwide television and radio networks, digital media platforms, international channels, film production, music, talent management, and various multimedia businesses. GMA is widely recognized for its news and public affairs programming, entertainment content, and extensive broadcast reach both within the Philippines and internationally. [1]
Company Overview
- Official Name: GMA Network, Inc.
- Trade Name: GMA
- Founded: March 1, 1950
- Founder: Robert La Rue Stewart
- Headquarters: GMA Network Center
- Industry: Mass Media, Broadcasting, Entertainment
- Type: Public Company
- Stock Exchange: Philippine Stock Exchange (Ticker: GMA7)
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Parent Company: GMA Holdings, Inc.
- Employees: Approximately 3,300 (2024)
- Official Website: GMA Network Corporate [2]
Meaning of “GMA”
The acronym GMA has had two meanings throughout its history:
- Greater Manila Area (1974): Originally referred to the station’s initial broadcast coverage.
- Global Media Arts: Adopted as the network expanded nationally and internationally, reflecting its broader multimedia identity. [3]
History
Foundation (1950)
GMA began operations on March 1, 1950, when American entrepreneur Robert “Uncle Bob” Stewart established Loreto F. de Hemedes, Inc. The company’s first operation was DZBB, an AM radio station launched in June 1950. [4]
Television Era (1961)
On October 29, 1961, the company entered television broadcasting through DZBB-TV Channel 7, operating under the name Republic Broadcasting System (RBS). This marked GMA’s transformation into a television broadcaster. [5]
New Ownership (1974)
Following changes in Philippine media ownership laws, Stewart transferred ownership to a group led by:
- Felipe Gozon
- Gilberto Duavit Sr.
- Menardo Jimenez
The company adopted the GMA Radio-Television Arts brand, introducing the “Greater Manila Area” acronym. [6]
Expansion
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, GMA expanded into:
- Nationwide television stations
- FM and AM radio networks
- Satellite broadcasting
- International television channels
- Digital media
In 1996, the company officially became GMA Network, Inc. [7]
Brand Identity
GMA is popularly known as the Kapuso Network.
The word Kapuso literally means “one at heart”, symbolizing compassion, unity, and connection with Filipino audiences.
Its heart-shaped logo, introduced in 2002, represents:
- Love
- Service
- Trust
- Commitment to Filipinos worldwide
The company’s long-running slogan has been:
“Isa sa Puso ng Pilipino” (“One in the Heart of Every Filipino”). [8]
Businesses
GMA operates across multiple media sectors, including:
Television
- GMA Network
- GTV
Radio
- Super Radyo DZBB
- Barangay LS 97.1
International Channels
- GMA Pinoy TV
- GMA Life TV
- GMA News TV International
Digital Platforms
- GMA News Online
- GMANetwork.com
- Streaming and mobile applications
Entertainment Businesses
- Film production
- Music publishing
- Talent management
- Program syndication
- Digital content
- Production services [9]
Major Subsidiaries
Some of GMA’s notable subsidiaries include:
- GMA Pictures
- GMA Music
- Sparkle GMA Artist Center
- GMA New Media
- RGMA Network [10]
Programming
GMA produces a wide variety of content, including:
- News
- Public affairs
- Drama series
- Variety shows
- Reality competitions
- Game shows
- Documentaries
- Sports coverage
- Children’s programming
- Lifestyle and educational content [11]
Reputation
GMA is recognized for:
- Trusted news reporting
- Nationwide broadcast coverage
- High-quality public affairs documentaries
- Strong local drama productions
- Family-oriented entertainment
- International distribution of Filipino content
The network has consistently ranked among the Philippines’ leading free-to-air broadcasters by audience reach and ratings. [12]
Corporate Values
According to the company, GMA focuses on:
- Credibility
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Public service
- Responsible journalism
- Filipino-centered storytelling [13]
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | March 1, 1950 |
| Founder | Robert La Rue Stewart |
| Headquarters | Quezon City, Philippines |
| Industry | Mass Media & Entertainment |
| Television Brand | GMA Network (Kapuso Network) |
| Radio | Super Radyo DZBB, Barangay LS |
| International Presence | Worldwide |
| Stock Symbol | GMA7 |
| Parent | GMA Holdings, Inc. |
| Official Motto | Isa sa Puso ng Pilipino |
Today, GMA Network remains one of the Philippines’ largest multimedia organizations, operating across television, radio, film, digital media, and international broadcasting while serving audiences both in the Philippines and Filipino communities around the world. [14]
References
- GMANetwork.com – Corporate – Official Corporate Website of the Kapuso Network
- GMA Network (company)
- GMA Careers AboutUs
- GMA Network | GMA Network Wiki | Fandom
- GMA Network (company) | TV Philippines Wiki | Fandom
- GMA Network, Inc. | GMA Network Wiki | Fandom
- GMA Network (company) | Philippine Television Wiki | Fandom
- GMA Network | Philippine Television Wiki | Fandom
- GMA Network (company) | TV and Radio Schedules Wikia | Fandom
- GMA Network | ABS-CBN Wiki | Fandom
- GMA Network | TV Philippines Wiki | Fandom
- GMANetwork.com – Corporate – Official Corporate Website of the Kapuso Network
- GMANetwork.com – Corporate – Official Corporate Website of the Kapuso Network
