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| GMA Network delivers the most comprehensive news coverage and timely Serbisyong Totoo as the Philippines braced for Super Typhoon Dolly. (Image Source: GMA Network) |
As the nation braced for Super Typhoon Rolly during the observance of All Saints' Day, GMA Network ensured the timely and comprehensive delivery of Serbisyong Totoo to the public - amidst the pandemic and the criticism from several Filipino netizens - across all of its platforms. At the height of the super typhoon's onslaught last November 1 (Sunday) as well as its aftermath the next day, GMA and GMA News TV reached more than 24.15 million viewers based on the National Urban Television Audience Management's overnight data from Nielsen Media Philippines.
On air, GMA News provided regular updates on the typhoon even before it entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). As it made its landfall, reports on the latest situation in different parts of the country via extended newscasts and news bulletins were aired on GMA, GMA News TV and Super Radyo DZBB 594 KHz. With GMA News reporters being deployed in hard-to-reach affected areas of Rolly's path, the viewing public kept updated on the latest happenings in and out of the country. Further, GMA News reporter Ian Cruz and his team were on the first aircraft that reached Catanduanes on the morning of November 3 (Tuesday) - enabling the network to be the first to report live from the said province.
On top of its news reports, GMA News also aired "Panawagan" where affected residents were able to let their loved ones know about their current situation. With communications lines down, this is served as their only way to send word out of the province. Likewise, across the regions, GMA Regional TV (RTV) remains true to its commitment of bringing local news that matter through various localized newscasts in North and Central Luzon; Bicol Region; Central and Eastern Visayas; Western Visayas; and Northern, Central and Southern Mindanao. Days before its landfall, GMA RTV deployed its local news teams and mobilized its team of stringers - including its RTV Bicol area news team in Naga City - to areas expected to be hit by the super typhoon.
Ably complementing the network's television coverage was its flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594 KHz which delivered a full 24-hour special coverage via DZBB's Bantay Bagyo. DZBB's non-stop coverage began as early as Saturday, October 31 until November 2 (Monday) where programs were pre-empted to feature updates on the typhoon's path, news stories, field reports, and interviews including NDRRMC press briefings as well as those of PAGASA, local government units (LGUs), other government agencies and affected individuals. Simulcast on all Radyo GMA (RGMA) AM stations nationwide, its news programs were also aired on Dobol B Sa News TV. Based on Nielsen Mega Manila RAM (Radio Audience Measurement) October 2020, DZBB's total reach is at about 2.2 million listeners.
Meanwhile, netizens remained updated round-the-clock via GMA News Online as well as the official social media accounts of GMA News and Public Affairs, Super Radyo DZBB and the network's disaster and emergency preparedness portal IMReady. With homes destroyed and thousands of families displaced in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Rolly, GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMMKF) has immediately delivered relief goods in the Bicol Region as well as in other affected provinces. So far reaching more than 17,300 individuals in different areas, GMMKF's Operation Bayanihan continues to accept cash and in-kind donations from the public. For more information, visit www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donate.
