GMA is first local TV network to implement closed captioning in Philippine free TV

Leading broadcast station GMA Network has officially started implementing closed captioning beginning October, becoming the first local TV station in the country to do so. (Photo: GMA Network/Facebook)

Leading broadcast station GMA Network has officially started implementing closed captioning beginning October, becoming the first local TV station in the country to do so.

Offering a more inclusive viewing experience, GMA’s closed captioning enables its viewers to read a full transcription of the dialogue as well as other key elements of the program such as background music, effects, etc. at the bottom part of the screen. This is especially beneficial to viewers who are deaf or who are hard of hearing.

The Network’s move is in compliance with Republic Act No. 10905, which requires “all franchise holders or operators of television programs to broadcast or present their programs with closed caption option…”

An initial test of this service was applied to the film Mission Impossible, which was aired on Kapuso Movie Festival last September 28.

Currently, the Network is fully implementing closed-captioning in all movie blocks shown on GMA-7 and select movies on GMA News TV and will be operational on certain television models.