GMA News TV (GNTV), the free-to-air news channel of GMA network, announced on Friday, September 18, that it will revive its newscasts beginning Monday, September 21.

In a GMA News Online article, the network said that GNTV newscasts such as Balitanghali, Quick Response Team (QRT), and State of the Nation (SONA), which were put off air following the community quarantine due to the pandemic, will return on air.

The official announcement came more than a week after Rappler first reported on September 9 that the management talked to staffers of these shows and informed them of their termination, citing the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The management’s move stunned employees.

Rappler had seen official messages from managers telling staff of at least 10 GNTV news and public affairs shows that their contracts were being terminated. Rappler also talked to some of these affected employees. Many staff also posted their goodbyes on social media.

Rappler had earlier sought management’s comment but they did not respond.

A day after the report, Rappler learned that management retracted the termination and told affected staffers that the shows will be airing again. Rappler has likewise seen official notifications from management saying the terminations were no longer effective.

Shows

The network’s flagship newscast 24 Oras will continue to simulcast on GMA News TV nightly from Monday to Friday. Its weekend counterpart 24 Oras Weekend will also do the same.

The network’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB, would also continue to air newscasts and programs on the news channel.

Other shows include Newsmakers with Winnie Monsod, Bright Side with Kara David, Pera Paraan with Susan Enriquez, Home Work with Tonipet Gaba and Rovilson Fernandez, and Family Time with Drew Arellano.

According to its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, GMA Network saw a 4% rise in earnings, or P1.4 billion, in the 1st half of the year, as it spent less during the pandemic.

With the government-backed shutdown of rival ABS-CBN, many advertisers shifted to GMA7, but the company noted that this provided only “some incremental revenues.” (READ: Fewer viewers, ad options: How ABS-CBN shutdown alters PH media landscape) – Rappler.com