Media bigwigs said it themselves: The TV network war is finally over, with ABS-CBN and GMA Network sealing a deal that gives Kapamilya show It’s Showtime a free-tv platform via the Kapuso network’s GTV Channel.
In an unusual twist of events following changes in the noontime show Eat Bulaga!, GMA Network’s Chief Executive Officer Felipe Gozon officially welcomed It’s Showtime to its network. In a joint press conference, the TV networks’ executives were seen shaking hands, sitting side-by-side, ending a decades-long rivalry that has seen fans debating endlessly on online forums.
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“Sa paglipat ng noontime program na very popular na Showtime na mag-uumpisa sa July 1, Sabado, at yung mga nakaraan naming kontrata na pinirmahan kamukha noong Unbreak My Heart, joint venture sa pagproduce ng movies, binili naming magagandang pelikula ng ABS-CBN at kontrata natin sa IWant TFC, lahat na ‘yan pwede na nating sabihin ngayon, without any fear of contradiction, na yung competition na tinatawag ng media companies or TV war is finally over,” said Gozon.
ABS-CBN meanwhile is grateful for finding a new home for the noontime show. The Vice Ganda-led variety show was recently displaced on TV5, which previously hosted It’s Showtime years after the Kapamilya network lost its franchise.
“In less than two weeks, we were welcomed in your network. Sa lahat ng aming Kapuso, sa pagtanggap ninyo sa Showtime at sa pagyakap niyo muli sa ABS-CBN. Thank you for your kindness, GMA,” ABS-CBN’s Chief Executive Officer Carlo L. Katigbak said.
Iya Villania, who returned to GMA 7 in 2014 after years of being an ABS-CBN mainstay, couldn’t keep her excitement while hosting the contract signing.
“Pwede naman pala tayong lahat maging friends,” she said, responding to co-host Robi Domingo’s comment that “a gem has found a new home.”
Meanwhile, ex-GMA talent Anne Curtis said she was full of gratitude to the former rival network.
“Thank you very much for giving us a venue to continue our journey in making the madlang people happy. G na G na po kaming lahat, Kapamilyang Kapuso,” she said.
In case you’re confused, the noontime sort-of reshuffle happens on July 1, 2023. Eat Bulaga under the Jalosjos-led production team will still be aired on GMA Channel 7. It’s Showtime will be on GTV Channel 27, and still on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live. A new show led by the Eat Bulaga original hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon, will meanwhile air on TV5 on the same date.
Indeed, it's a new era for Philippine TV!
