Broadcast giants transmit better financials signals ABS-CBN trims losses, GMA profit spikes

November 24, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Media giants ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. booked contrasting bottom lines nine months into 2025, but both sustained momentum in improving their financial performance.

ABS-CBN further trimmed its net loss, reducing it by 14 percent as it implemented cost-saving measures to make up for the revenue decline.

On the other hand, GMA continued to boost its profit, posting a 47-percent increase to P2.07 billion from January to September, as revenue grew by 12 percent to P13.99 billion, neutralizing the six-percent jump in expenses.

Based on its financial report, ABS-CBN slashed its net loss to P2.24 billion during the period from P2.59 billion a year ago.

Although revenue dipped by three percent to P11.75 billion, ABS-CBN took it upon itself to cut expenses by 11 percent to P13.52 billion to minimize the impact.

ABS-CBN’s content revenues went up by 14 percent to P9.13 billion, lifted by double-digit hikes in advertising and consumer gains. ABS-CBN is riding on the back of primetime shows, such as “Batang Quiapo” and “TV Patrol,” in pulling the weight of its advertising segment.

Likewise, ABS-CBN is drawing more revenues from the consumer business on the success of its films “And The Breadwinner Is” and “My Love Will Make You Disappear.” Girl group BINI chipped in additional revenues for ABS-CBN through the shows it performed on across the world.

However, ABS-CBN’s broadband unit through Sky Cable Corp. suffered a 36-percent decline in revenue to P2.63 billion, as the venture continued to lose subscribers.

To offset this, ABS-CBN pursued cost-cutting measures to trim its administrative and personnel expenses, paired with the sale of some of its assets to free up liabilities.

ABS-CBN is aiming to become profitable again by the end of 2026, hoping that the success of its digital shift would translate to financial viability.

Meanwhile, GMA’s advertising revenues went up by 10 percent to P12.77 billion, relying on mainstay shows like “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” to attract placements. News show “24 Oras” remains one of the most watched programs in the Philippines, allowing it to reel in ads in the primetime slot.

GMA also bagged revenue growths in the radio and online segments on consistent effort to bring fresh content on both platforms.

Similarly, GMA’s consumer sales ballooned by 29 percent to P1.22 billion, as the network placed box-office hits on streaming platforms to expand their reach outside of cinemas.