GMA Network: Ang has no hand in layoffs in regional stations

Felipe Gozon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

GMA Network’s “strategic streamlining” program, which resulted in the lay-off of at least 80 employees and talents in its Visayas regional stations, has nothing to do with Ramon S. Ang, who has acquired shares in the media giant.

“This undertaking is not connected to the impending talks with Mr. Ramon S. Ang,” said a statement dated April 26 and prepared by GMA Network’s Corporate Communications, in response to questions sent by the Inquirer to Felipe L. Gozon, GMA chairman and chief executive officer.

Inquirer earlier asked Gozon if it was true that GMA Network laid off 100 of its employees and talents in its regional offices.

Gozon replied, via SMS: “Yes, we cancelled our morning programs and downgraded some originating stations in the regions to satellite selling stations for efficiency.”

The GMA statement explained that the “strategic streamlining … is geared toward increasing ratings and revenues of all of its regional stations for more efficient operations.”

Among the affected regional stations are those in Cebu, Iloilo and Bacolod cities, according to earlier reports.

“We are not closing down any regional station,” the statement added. “Pending completion of the study and recommendation of the Regional TV Review Committee, all the existing regional stations other than Cebu, Iloilo, Davao and Dagupan will be continued as satellite selling stations.”

As was mentioned in an earlier statement, “all affected personnel will be offered severance packages.”

Furthermore, GMA Network reiterated: “Though regional programs in the morning and afternoon were canceled, the afternoon news programs of Cebu, Iloilo, Davao and Dagupan remain and will be further strengthened.”

Asked for the exact number of affected personnel, Angel Javier-Cruz, GMA Network vice president for Corporate Communications, told the Inquirer in an SMS: “We don’t have the numbers yet.”

In a statement released April 25, GMA Network said that it “greatly appreciates the contributions rendered by our Kapuso in the regions and we wish them all the best as they seek new opportunities outside the Network.” DPL