GMA Network Nears Full Digital Transition as Analog TV Shutdown Approaches

GMA Network Inc. is preparing for the final phase of its transition to an all-digital broadcasting system as the government moves to shut down all analog television broadcasts in Mega Manila before the end of the year.

The transition marks a major milestone for the country's largest television network, which will permanently deactivate the main analog transmitters serving GMA-7 and GTV. According to GMA President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto Duavit Jr., the network is fully prepared for the change.

With its digital infrastructure already reaching around 90 percent of television households nationwide, GMA believes the shift can be carried out smoothly.

Speaking during the company's annual stockholders' meeting on July 17, Duavit emphasized that the technical process would be straightforward.

“Our digital infrastructure has been designed to accommodate precisely periodic directives on shutdowns. It’s almost literally simply turning off the two main analog transmitters in Mega Manila,” Duavit said.

Despite its extensive digital coverage, GMA acknowledged that one of the industry's remaining concerns is ensuring uninterrupted access to free-to-air television for households that continue to rely on analog television sets. The company admitted that determining the exact number of viewers who may be affected remains challenging.

To ease the transition, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), together with other government agencies, is developing assistance programs for households that have yet to switch to digital television.

GMA also plans to intensify its public information campaign while making use of its remaining inventory of digital receivers, including the GMA Affordabox, to help viewers migrate to digital broadcasting.

The company expects the shutdown of analog transmissions to reduce operating costs by eliminating the need to maintain both analog and digital broadcast systems. This cost-saving measure is expected to strengthen operational efficiency and support long-term value for shareholders.

At the same time, GMA continues to expand its digital presence through initiatives such as GMA Play, its streaming platform launched in February 2026. By integrating the service into its existing mobile application, the network quickly reached more than 4.4 million downloads without incurring significant additional rollout or content costs.

The platform also gives GMA greater control over content distribution, reducing its dependence on third-party streaming services while opening new opportunities for digital advertising and content monetization.

Duavit noted that the platform also allows the company to generate revenue from content that was previously difficult to monetize, particularly programming covered by international licensing agreements that require distribution through company-owned digital platforms.

Looking ahead, GMA said the success of its digital transformation will depend on how effectively it can encourage traditional television audiences to embrace digital viewing, as well as how advertisers respond to the industry's continuing shift toward digital media.