Felipe Gozon on meeting new challenges and staying relevant

Tatler Asia's Most Influential 2023 honouree, GMA CEO Felipe Gozon secures the network’s future by constantly innovating to consistently deliver unbiased and truthful news.

The year is 2020. The pandemic just hit and many—if not all—businesses lost their footing. But GMA didn’t stumble. Under Felipe Gozon’s leadership, the network grew and expanded further into the digital space. With over 10 million YouTube subscribers and more than two billion views on TikTok, GMA managed to be the sole arbiter of trustworthy news during a time when everyone needed it the most.

While television remains its core business, its digital transformation has driven significant engagement and there are no plans of slowing down, now that the world is returning to ‘normal.’

Above (Photo: Mark Nicdao)

(Photo: Mark Nicdao)

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What projects in the last two years are you most proud of? Why?

GMA is now the largest, the most profitable, the most watched, and the most trusted broadcast network in the Philippines. In the past two years, we continued to strengthen our leadership by illuminating more areas across the country with our digital transmission, heavily investing in talent management and development, and improving our content production capabilities. As a result, the Kapuso Network continues to be number 1 in ratings, reached over 80 million Filipinos through our 93 TV stations, and produced record-breaking revenues.

While TV remains our core, our digital offerings continue to drive significant engagement and gain billions of views. We were the first in the Philippines and the second television network in Southeast Asia to receive 3 Diamond Creator Awards from YouTube, for breaching 10 million subscribers in three different channels. GMA Network is the top Philippine media network on Facebook and TikTok.

Among the things I am truly proud of is how we have reached and maintained our enviable position in the industry—with GMA as the top television station in the country, followed by our GTV at the second spot. Our flagship radio stations, Super Radyo DZBB and Barangay LS are both on number one spots on AM and FM, respectively.

Apart from sterling business results, I am also proud that over the years, GMA became a lifeline and frontline of public service—providing “Serbisyong Totoo” with superior entertainment and responsible, unbiased, accurate and comprehensive news and information. These accomplishments show that despite the COVID-19 pandemic and various challenges, we did not just survive—we thrived.

What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?

The present challenges are those brought about by the constraints to our operations and activities from the pandemic, our economy (rising prices of fuel and other commodities), climate change, devaluation of the peso, etc.

As for GMA, we know that the broadcasting industry is dynamic and competitive. This is why we strive to always produce quality and superior programs that the viewers like to watch more.

Moreover, the challenge for our News and Public Affairs is the spread of false information now that we are in the age of social media. To address this, we ensure that Filipinos here and around the world can access news and information they can trust—whether on their television, computers, mobile phones, or whatever their device of choice. GMA is committed to keeping the trust of our viewers the same way we have always done: with quality journalism that provides “Serbisyong Totoo” to the Filipino people.

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What can you say to those who want to follow in your footsteps?

Try to know and learn everything about the business you are engaged in, work hard, and lead by example. Walk your talk, be fair, and communicate your objectives to all your employees.

Who do you look up to for guidance, inspiration or mentorship?

I have always prayed to our Lord for guidance in the important things I do. When they were alive, I looked up to my father and mother, Benjamin and Carolina Gozon, and former Senate President Jovito R Salonga for inspiration and mentorship.

What are your plans for the coming years, and what keeps you going?

In the coming years, we will continue to meet the challenges to GMA Network head-on, particularly from its competitors and the emerging new technologies in the broadcasting industry. I like meeting challenges. I feel very gratified whenever we overcome or successfully surmount them.

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