GMA cues analog TV switch-off in Mega Manila

Broadcasting giant GMA Network Inc. said it is prepared for the government’s planned shutdown of analog television broadcasts in Mega Manila this November, thanks to the already extensive reach of its digital transmission network.

All analog television broadcasts in Mega Manila are scheduled to be switched off by Nov. 22 under a National Telecommunications Commission memorandum circular issued last year. This covers Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga and Bataan.

Despite the broad scope of the transition, GMA president and CEO Gilberto Duavit Jr. expressed little concern over signal coverage once analog transmissions are discontinued.

“Our digital coverage presently in Mega Manila is second to none,” Duavit said at the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting on Friday. “It not only mirrors but, for practical purposes, exceeds that of our analog reach.”

After all, Duavit said, the migration would be a relatively straightforward exercise for the network.

“This is a very ministerial and very simple operational exercise. It’s almost literally simply turning off the two main analog transmitters in Mega Manila: one for GMA 7 and the other for GTV,” he added.

GMA’s digital terrestrial television network currently reaches about 90 percent of TV households nationwide, according to Duavit.

The concern now is how many households still rely exclusively on analog television and could lose access once the shutdown takes effect.

To address this, Duavit said the government is preparing an assistance program for affected viewers, while GMA has been coordinating with the relevant agencies on its implementation.

GMA has also built up an inventory of digital television devices that consumers can purchase. It also plans to launch an information campaign to help households determine whether they will be affected by the analog switch-off and what alternatives are available.