Philippines’ leading networks, GMA and ABS-CBN, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to broadcast journalism at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ Awards 2024 in Singapore.
GMA celebrated a triumphant night, winning three awards that underscore its commitment to quality journalism and innovation.
GMA Integrated News’ flagship newscast “24 Oras” won “Series Production – Philippines” for its climate change series “Banta ng Nagbabagong Klima.” This series explored the impacts of extreme weather, deforestation, and community displacement while highlighting resilience and innovation in adapting to climate change.
The “Technology Animation – Philippines” award went to GMA’s AI Sports Series Project.
This project featured the first AI presenters in the Philippines, Maia and Marco, who delivered news on NCAA Season 99 and updates on Filipino athletes via GMA’s social media platforms.
“Unang Hirit” (UH), the Philippines’ longest-running morning show, won “Set Design Enabling Special Effects – Philippines” for its innovative studio, unveiled last October.
Designed by the US-based FX Design Group and constructed with GMA Network’s Script2010 and Engineering Department, the studio blends aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.
These awards, said Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, senior vice president and head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy, “cement GMAIN’s role as a news authority, delivering timely and relevant stories, including those on climate change, to a wider audience.”
Nessa S. Valdellon, first vice president for GMA Public Affairs, praised the “Unang Hirit” team for their ongoing innovation and dedication over 25 years, expressing gratitude for the recognition from the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Awards.
ABS-CBN News also took home two prestigious awards, showcasing its innovative approach to digital news delivery.
“Patrol ng Pilipino,” a groundbreaking digital platform, won the Digital Transformation award. This platform enables ABS-CBN News reporters to share relevant stories using vertical video formats, effectively reaching a broader audience on social media. Launched over a year ago, Patrol ng Pilipino boasts over 150,000 followers and 2 million likes on TikTok, along with regular content on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and Threads. This success has paved the way for other digital video products from ABS-CBN’s News Gathering arm.
Live Event Streaming Award: Feast of the Black Nazarene Coverage
The ABS-CBN Digital News Gathering Team’s extensive coverage of the 2024 Feast of the Black Nazarene earned the Live Event Streaming Award. The nearly 15-hour livestream became the most-watched live stream in the Philippines for the day, with organizations like the People’s Television Network, TV Maria, and the Quiapo Church also tapping into the broadcast.
Jeff Canoy, ABS-CBN News chief of reporters, dedicated the award to the journalists and support teams, praising their resilience and innovative storytelling. Anjo Bagaoisan, Patrol ng Pilipino’s team lead and ABS-CBN News science editor, highlighted the team’s determination to excel despite limited resources. Francis Toral, head of ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs, emphasized the network’s commitment to serving audiences with relevant news and information across all platforms and devices.
