As the year 2011 heralded the beginning of another decade, it also marked GMA News and Public Affairs’ continued dedication to deliver the latest news as it happens, when it happens, from virtually anywhere in the globe.
In the past year, GMA gave viewers the most memorable coverage of events that shaped that world and the year that was starting with the team’s extensive coverage of the calamity that struck Japan. When a massive quake hit the coast of Honshu and brought about one of the most devastating tsunamis in Japan’s history, the GMA News team was there to give viewers important updates on the aftermath as well as the condition of Filipinos residing in several affected areas.
GMA also took viewers to the much anticipated Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. Premier journalists Jessica Soho, Vicky Morales and Connie Sison reported live from London to deliver the latest reports from the ceremonies at Westminster Abbey up to the balcony of Buckingham Palace for the newlyweds’ first (and second) official kiss as a couple.
From the Royal Wedding, GMA News and Public Affairs went straight to Rome, Italy for the Beatification of the world’s beloved pope, Pope John Paul II.
But at the end of the day, what can be considered as the Network’s most memorable coverages for 2011 would be the ones close to home. GMA’s coverage during Typhoons Pedring, Quiel and Sendong were noteworthy for the fearless news teams, gripping images and extensive scope that went far beyond the typhoon’s affected areas. GMA News kept viewers updated throughout the day through extended bulletins. Reporters braved strong winds and heavy rains to provide unparalleled coverage of the devastation caused by these typhoons. YouScoop, GMA Online’s brand of citizen journalism also played an indispensable part during the news coverage of these disasters.
The past year also saw the launch of GMA News TV on February 28, 2011.
Powered by the most trusted broadcast news organization in the country, News TV’s formidable roster of news and public affairs personalities is headed by multi-awarded broadcast journalists–Jessica Soho, Mike Enriquez, Mel Tiangco, Arnold Clavio, Vicky Morales, Howie Severino, Kara David, Malou Mangahas and Prof. Winnie Monsod.
The channel prides itself on having a comprehensive and informative lineup of programs from sun up to sun down.
News TV capped off the year as the leading news channel when it registered 3.1 points in total day household audience shares in National Urban Television Audience Measurement, ahead of ABS-CBN News Channel’s 0.1 and Aksyon TV’s 0.4 points for the period of Nov. 1-Dec. 31, 2011.
For the men and women behind GMA News and Public Affairs, 2011 is testimony that the catchphrase Serbisyong Totoo has undeniably become a way of life. For them, Serbisyong Totoo is an attitude in which merely delivering the stories that mattered to the viewers can longer be considered enough. It just has to be delivered with the kind of passion that only these men and women are known for – the same passion that gave GMA News and Public Affairs continued dominance over its counterparts throughout the year in terms of ratings and awards.
GMA-7’s banner news program, 24 Oras, won the most number of local awards and continues to be the country’s most trusted news program.
