ABS-CBN, GMA-7 beef up presence in MidEast, Africa

MANILA, Philippines – Media companies ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. are both expanding their reach in the Middle East and North Africa – also referred to as the MENA region – through partnerships.

Lopez-led ABS-CBN said in a statement on Monday April 29, that it has tied up with pay TV network OSN to offer 4 Filipino channels: TFC (The Filipino Channel), sports and entertainment channel Bro, movie channel Cinema One Global, and 24-hour news and information channel ANC.

GMA Network, which operates GMA-7, said in a statement on April 24 that it has partnered with Dubai-based pay-TV provider My-HD to offer GMA’s international channels, namely, the flagship international channel GMA Pinoy TV, Filipino lifestyle channel GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International.

Both will launch these direct-to-home and cable platforms on May 1.

The MENA region is home to over 4 million Filipinos working and living overseas.

ABS-CBN Global has been reaching out to about 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFW) since 1994. It has presence in 191 countries where it leverages its news and entertainment programs  over multiple channels, satellite, cable, internet protocol television, web and mobile. 

ABS-CBN Global’s revenue was flat with a 1% increase in total viewers in first semester 2012. The unit now has an expanded portfolio of products and services, including cargo and remittance. 

GMA International, on the other hand, boosted subscriber uptake of its international channels in 2012. The two stations — GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV — grew by 13% and 9%, respectively, contributing to the media group’s net income of P1.617 billion in 2012. – Rappler.com