PRESS STATEMENT FROM GMA-7:

"GMA Network, Incorporated (GMA) started 2011 on the upward trend with an 18 percent growth in consolidated gross revenues from regular advertising and subscription accounts in the first three months to P3.138 billion from P2.652 billion delivered same period last year, after stripping off P973 million worth of political ads.

"Airtime revenues delivered by platforms television and radio from regular advertisers grew by 21 percent to P2.865 billion from P2.367 billion. Flagship business unit Channel 7, which is now the acknowledged national ratings leader from January to date, and GMA Radio hiked regular advertising revenues by 25 percent and 19 percent, respectively. 

"GMA International made subscription and advertising revenues worth P230 million this first quarter. The amount is higher by three percent in dollar terms, but down by two percent due to the appreciation of the peso.

"Continuing to build on its global brand, international channels GMA Pinoy TV (GPTV) and GMA Life TV (GLTV) hiked subscriptions by 10 percent and two percent, respectively, this first quarter. GMA International likewise readies for the launch of GMA News TV (GNTV) international edition in July.

"On the other hand, GMA's syndication sales and acquisition arm, GMA Worldwide, Incorporated (GWI), sold P6.6 million worth of programs with new markets in Kenya, Tanzania, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.

"Meanwhile, newly launched GNTV made P12 million from its launch in February 28 till end March. GNTV is the first and only free-to-air news and public affairs channel on VHF (Very High Frequency). Because it is on free TV, viewers do not need to pay a cable service provider to get the latest news and information.

"Net income for the quarter reached P534 million, a dip from P855 million recorded during the same period last year, which was mainly driven by political advocacies and advertisements in the top line.

"GMA continues to thrive amid a non-election year with a modest increase in its total operating expenses (OPEX) by three percent to P1.989 billion. General and administrative expenses increased by 14 percent or by P114 million from P800 million to P914 million due to the Company's promotional activities in the regions to further establish its nationwide presence. The amount invested on ads and promotions almost doubled to P113 million during the first three months.

"The quarter finished with earnings before income, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) worth P926 million, 34 percent behind last year's P1.413 billion.

"GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon remains confident that GMA will deliver better financial performance in the succeeding months with GMA continuously emerging a ratings winner despite stiffer competition.

"GMA maintains its lead in audience share from January 2011 to date. With majority of the country's population now attuned to GMA, I look forward to a more solid liaison with our partners, the advertisers and viewing public alike," said Gozon.  

"On television, GMA has gone beyond ABS-CBN in national television ratings since the opening of 2011 and has managed to uphold its leadership position until today. This is according to Nielsen TV Audience Measurement--the broadcast industry's most trusted ratings service provider.

"Based on household data surveyed in National Urban Philippines this April, GMA garnered 33.2 household audience share points, higher than ABS-CBN's 31.3 and TV5's 14.7.

"In Urban Luzon, which comprises 77 percent of total television households nationwide, GMA's lead over competing networks remained at double digit levels. The Kapuso Network sustained its strong ratings performance in the said area with 36.8 share points, 10.4 points ahead of ABS-CBN's 26.4; and 20.6 points ahead of TV5's 16.2.