GMA launches Middle East news channel

Philippines national network GMA announced an exclusive agreement with Dubai-based pay-TV platform, My-HD, for the direct-to-home distribution of GMA News TV International in the Middle East. 

Starting April 5, GMA, together with My-HD, will give Filipinos in the Middle East access to the latest, news from home through the Network’s third international channel.

Felipe L. Gozon, Chairman and CEO of GMA Network said “We are banking on the quality of the programs shown on GMA News TV to primarily drive the subscriber uptake of its international channel in the Middle East.”

“It is our goal to address the need to be informed of over 2.4 million Filipinos in the Middle East through the distribution of GMA News TV International in the area,” said Guilberto Duavit Jr, GMA Network’s president and COO. “In addition to showing news programs that are aired nationwide on GMA News TV, plans are also underway for the airing of regional newscasts, which are produced by our various originating stations,” he continued.

The channel will initially carry national news programmes and there are plans to add regional newscasts. My-HD offers 20 HD channels via satellite in the Middle East and North Africa.