AFTER OVERTAKING GMA7 IN VIS-MIN, MVP EXPECTS BETTER EARNINGS FOR TV5 IN 2013!

MANILA - TV5 expects 2013 to be a "better" year with new programs and cost management, its chairman said on Tuesday night.

"Coming off our strong performance in the last quarter of 2012, specifically in Visayas and Mindanao, we are looking at a more competitive, more energetic, more innovative TV5 this coming year," Pangilinan said.

TV5 overtook rival GMA Network in Iloilo, Cebu Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and General Santos City in the fourth quarter of 2012, sharing the top spot with competitor ABS-CBN.

TV5 also gained its leadership in Dagupan, where GMA7's steady decline has contributed to the former's growth beginning second quarter of 2012.

With the new programs, Panglinan said, "Hopefully, we could improve our audience share on the whole both here in Metro Manila, Luzon and nationwide. "

These shows are Kidlat, Jeepney Jackpot, The Alabang Housewives, Wowowillie, Hayop sa Ganda, RESCUES, Aksyon Weekend, Never Say Goodbye, Balwarte, FB:Forever Barkada and Kanta Pilipinas.

TV5's existing programs, such as Game N' Go All-Stars, Face to Face and Good Morning Club, will also introduce new twists and segment this January.

On the sidelines of the network's trade launch, ABC Development Corp chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said, "I think we should do better this year. Better programming, better talents and better revenues."

Earlier, he said the network's losses in the second half of 2012 would likely mimic the P2.8 billon hemorrhage in the January to June period.

He said the bulk of the network's expenses is for talents. "It's a manpower industry. You require people not only on-cam talents but also the backroom, writers, directors and cameraman," he said.

TV5 however is learning the ropes in terms of controlling production costs, he said.

Pangilinan said TV5 will spend P6 billion this year to launch new programs and complete a state-of-the-art Media Center in Mandaluyong. The studio should be finished by the end of the first quarter of this year.

At present, the network's 19 TV and five radio stations around the country cover 88.6 percent of the national urban population. Pangilinan said the company aims to reach 100 percent this year.

TV's global channels Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon International, through affiliate Pilipinas Global Network Ltd, also reach overseas Filipinos in 79 countries and territories in four continents.

"Beyond geography, we're taking TV5 one step ahead towards becoming a full media venture," Pangilinan said.

TV5's current digital media platforms - news site Interaksyon.com, sports portal InterAKTV.ph and lifestyle review site Kristn.com - complement the network's full service offerings in the emerging online media.

SOURCE