GMA Network ties up with iQiyi for global video streaming service

MANILA, Philippines — Singapore-based on-demand video streaming service iQiyi International and GMA Network Inc. have entered a multi-year partnership to bring the Philippine media giant’s content to the global online video streaming platform.

GMA Network is tapping into the streaming platform’s technology and growing reach across the country to expand the viewership of its programs.

iQiyi, on the other hand, expands its premium Asian entertainment portfolio with the local content provided by GMA under the partnership.

“iQiyi is committed to bringing the best in local dramas to our local viewers across the Philippines for them to watch anytime, anywhere. iQiyi and GMA have been in discussion to join forces for the benefit of our viewers for a while, and we could not be more thrilled to finally embark on this exciting journey together,” iQiyi Philippines country manager Sherwin dela Cruz said.

Dela Cruz said for this year alone, 12 new GMA titles with over 1,000 catch-up episodes would be available on iQiyi.

Catch-up episodes of GMA dramas will be available on the iQiyi app and iQ.com within 24 hours from TV airing.

“As the home of beloved Asian entertainment, iQiyi International will continue to strengthen our content offerings for our local viewership, building on our current Korean, Chinese and Anime content. This is a big milestone for us, and the first of several we have for the year,” he said.

IQiyi, founded in April 2010 in Beijing, is an on-demand video streaming service providing beloved pan-Asian entertainment to international viewers through subscription and ad-based viewing options.

“We are honored and grateful for iQiyi’s trust in partnering with GMA Network as the Kapuso programs jumpstart the exciting line-up of Filipino content for this platform,” GMA Network chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon said.

“As we continue to adapt to the shifting interests of our viewers and their viewing habits, we relentlessly produce world-class entertainment programs that can be consumed in various platforms and iQiyi International’s massive user base will likewise complement our digital efforts,” Gozon said.

Despite a challenging year due to the pandemic, GMA Network ended 2020 with a net income of P6 billion, a 128 percent surge from the P2.64 billion posted the previous year.

Consolidated revenues jumped 17 percent year-on-year to P19.34 billion as advertising revenues across all platforms exhibited growth following the closure of its biggest rival, ABS-CBN.