GMA 7 overseas unit signs distribution deal with Fox

The overseas unit of broadcast giant GMA Network Inc. has signed a syndication deal for the distribution of its shows to different countries in four continents.

In a statement, GMA Worldwide Inc. (GWI) announced its new three-year content acquisition and distribution output deal with Fox International Channels. The deal allows the company to broadcast as much as 350 hours’ worth of locally produced programs and 25 feature films on Fox’s cable channels this year.

The company said the agreement would help make profitable several of its shows that, unfortunately, do not appeal to the local market.

“GMA’s programs do not only appeal to domestic viewers but are steadily gaining interest and popularity among international viewers as well,” GWI vice president Roxanne Barcelona said in a statement.

The company said overseas Filipino workers have also clamored for the availability of more Filipino content on different channels.

Among GMA productions delivered to Hong Kong for airing over Fox’s Philippine feed include hit fantasy series Encantadia, Darna, Dyesebel, and Super Twins.

The company also noted the success of several Filipino television adaptations of renowned dramas “Stairway to Heaven”, “Trudis Liit” and “Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita,” as well as News and Public Affairs programs’ “Wish Ko Lang,” “Pinoy Meets World” and “Pinoy Abroad.”

Fox is a subsidiary of News Corp., one of the biggest media conglomerates in the world that reach millions of households worldwide.

Other than Fox, GWI said it posted strong sales in Africa, Brunei, Korea and China in 2011 with more than 2,000 hours’ worth of programs to these countries.

GMA Network expects to post a net income of P2.8 billion this year on the back of stronger advertising revenues and political “advocacy” placements toward the end of the year, ahead of the 2013 elections.