CHARO SANTOS-CONCIO APPOINTED AS ABS-CBN'S NEW CEO!

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN Corp. on Tuesday announced the appointment of Charo Santos-Concio as the media conglomerate's new chief executive officer effective Jan. 1, 2013.

The new position will be in addition to Concio's current designation as the company's president and chief content officer, the firm said in a statement.

Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez, who assumed post as chairman and CEO in 1996, will remain as chairman of the company.

Concio was promoted as ABS-CBN President in 2008, after serving as the company's Head for Channel 2 in 2006, Executive Vice President in 1998, Senior Vice President of TV Production in 1996, Vice President of Production Operations in 1991, and Director for Programs in 1989.

WILTIME BIGTIME SUFFERS DROP IN AD AIRTIME MINUTES!

According to a filing by ABC Development Corp, the operator of  TV5,  Wiltime Bigtime, its flagship program that airs during the evening primetime slot of 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., registered a 1-percent decline in ad airtime minutes for the first nine months of 2012, making TV5 the only station among the so-called “Big Three” to suffer a decline in this time slot during the period.

TV5'S NET LOSS SURGED TO P2.8B IN THE 1ST HALF!

MANILA, Philippines—Losses of television network TV5 continued to accelerate as of the first half of 2012 as the country’s third-biggest broadcast firm ramped up spending to be more competitive with industry leaders.

According to official documents filed by its parent, ABC Development Corp., the company lost P1.37 billion at the end of the first quarter and an additional P1.46 billion at the end of the second quarter. All told, TV5’s losses for the first half of 2012 amounted to P2.83 billion, raising the possibility that the network would exceed the P4.1-billion net loss it reported for 2011.

GMA NETWORK TO SPEND P100 MILLION FOR THE 2013 ELECTION COVERAGE!

Gozon said GMA is accelerating its election spending for next year programmed at about P100 million. 

“We have programmed more than P100 million. It is earmarked for next year but we need to be prepared. We need to buy the necessary facilities and equipment,” he said. 

GMA NETWORK EXPECTS TO POST P2.3 B ANNUAL PROFIT IN 2012!

GMA Network Inc. is seen posting a net income of “below P2.8 billion” by year end, its chairman said on Wednesday. 

If achieved, the broadcasting firm will book a higher profit than last year’s P1.715 billion.

“Our profit will be below P2.8 billion, definitely higher than last year because we are doing very well this year,” said GMA Chairman Felipe Gozon in an interview during the TV network’s digital trade launch.

GMA REGIONAL NEWS CLAIMS LEADERSHIP IN CEBU, DAVAO, ILO-ILO AND DAGUPAN!

Broadcast giant GMA Network Inc.’s expansion in key provinces has started to pay dividends after recent surveys showed the network was gaining ground in key urban centers outside Metro Manila—areas once dominated by rival ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

In a statement, GMA said its news and public affairs programs in Cebu, Dagupan, Davao and Iloilo led ratings for the month of October and the first two weeks of November.

MAGPAKAILAN MAN DEBUT FAILS TO OVERPOWER MMK IN MEGA MANILA!

November 17, Saturday

Morning:

Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko (GMA-7) 1.5%; Pinoy MD: Mga Doktor ng Bayan (GMA-7) 3.2%; Salamat Dok (ABS-CBN) 1.7%; Handy Manny (TV5) 0.8%; Jungle Junction (TV5) 2.2%

The Looney Tunes Show (GMA-7) 4.5%; Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (ABS-CBN) 2.8%; Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (TV5) 2.8%

GLOBE TO EXTEND TENDER OFFER TO ACQUIRE DEBTS OF ABS-CBN'S SISTER COMPANY!

MANILA, Philippines—Ayala-led Globe Telecom is extending its early tender offer period to buy Bayan Telecommunications obligations from the smaller telco’s creditors, in line with moves for the two firms’ impending merger.

ABS-CBN 9-MONTH PROFIT SURPASSED FULL YEAR TARGET!

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN Corp. has upgraded its full-year net income target to P1.6 billion from P1.3 billion, after nine-month earnings breached the previous goal.

"We're looking at a minimum target of P1.6 billion. We already hit our target of P1.3 billion," Ronaldo Valdueza, chief finance officer, said in a briefing on Wednesday.

Profits of the firm already reached P1.55 billion in the first three quarters of the year.

The level is 31% below the P2.24 billion net income recorded in the same period last year but excluding the P825 million one-time gain in 2011, earnings in the current year actually went up by 10%.

So far, revenues have been weak in October until the first week of November, Valdueza said.