Why is it called GMA? Who started it? And how did a humble radio station evolve into a multi-billion-peso media giant that dominates Filipino screens?

In a country where television is a powerful force in shaping hearts and minds, one acronym has stood the test of time — GMA. Most Filipinos know the name. Many even grew up with it. But few actually know what GMA stands for, or how it transformed from a single radio station into one of Asia’s most powerful broadcasting empires.

Let’s rewind the tape — all the way back to 1950.

The Birth of a Dream: DZBB Takes to the Airwaves

GMA’s story began not with flashing lights or primetime dramas, but with a modest AM radio station, DZBB, broadcasting from a small rented office in Calvo Building, Escolta, Manila. Founded by Robert “Uncle Bob” Stewart, an American war correspondent-turned-broadcaster, DZBB hit the airwaves on March 1, 1950.

Its early broadcasts featured a mix of live news, public service, and imported radio serials. But what set it apart was Stewart’s vision: media not just for entertainment, but for nation-building.

What Does GMA Stand For?

Many think GMA stands for “Greater Manila Area”, and in fact, it once did. In the network’s early years, the acronym reflected the limited scope of its broadcast range. But as the station expanded beyond the metro, the initials took on a deeper, more symbolic meaning.

In the 1970s, GMA rebranded itself as the “Global Media Arts” network — a title that aligned with its growing ambition to go beyond Luzon, beyond the Philippines, and into international broadcasting. The transformation was not just in name, but in scope, technology, and storytelling.

So yes — GMA once meant “Greater Manila Area”, but today, it stands proudly as “Global Media Arts”, echoing its mission to serve both the Filipino nation and the global Filipino diaspora.

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From Martial Law to Mega Hits

Surviving the political turbulence of Martial Law in the 1970s, GMA stood its ground while many others folded under pressure. Stewart was eventually forced to sell the network in 1974 under increasing government scrutiny. The new leadership — led by Gilberto Duavit Sr., Menardo Jimenez, and Felipe Gozon — brought a distinctly Filipino vision to the table.

Under their leadership, GMA flourished. It took bold steps in news broadcasting, challenged monopolies, and launched era-defining shows like “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” “24 Oras,” and “Encantadia.”

The Rise of the “Kapuso”

In 2002, GMA embraced a new brand identity: the Kapuso Network. With a heart-shaped logo symbolizing love, integrity, and service, the Kapuso brand became synonymous with trust and emotional connection for millions of viewers.

But GMA wasn’t just surviving — it was thriving. By the 2010s, it became a major player not just in news and entertainment, but in innovation: pioneering high-definition TV, expanding regional coverage, and even developing online streaming long before it became mainstream.

A Corporate Powerhouse With Filipino Roots

What began as a single radio station now boasts dozens of TV channels, radio networks, and digital platforms. GMA Network, Inc. is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange and has become a publicly traded titan in media, consistently outperforming competitors in ratings and reach.

Unlike many other networks that rely heavily on foreign funding or alliances, GMA has remained proudly Filipino-owned, with the Duavit, Jimenez, and Gozon families continuing to steer the ship.

GMA Today: Global. Digital. Resilient.

In the age of TikTok, YouTube, and streaming giants, GMA has managed not just to keep up, but to lead. From GMA Pinoy TV broadcasting to overseas Filipinos, to GMA Public Affairs producing viral documentaries and groundbreaking investigative pieces, the network has proven that legacy media can evolve without losing its soul.

The Legacy Lives On

So, why is it called GMA? Because what once stood for a local dream has grown into a Global Media force. It’s more than just an acronym now — it’s a testament to how storytelling, vision, and resilience can build not just a company, but a cultural cornerstone.

From Uncle Bob’s first radio broadcast to your favorite teleserye today, GMA has been — and continues to be — “Kapuso ng Bawat Pilipino.”