With a total of 17 honors received at the 42nd Catholic Mass Media Awards, media giant GMA Network remains to be the top choice for value-laden programs and special projects.
This year, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), hosted by seasoned broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, has been elevated to the Hall of Fame for Best News Magazine.
Investigative program Reporter’s Notebook was recognized as Best Public Service Program for its “Mga Sugat ni Miguel” episode. The winning piece investigated the plight of 21-year-old Miguel who is afflicted by a mysterious condition that left his skin peeling and his body full of wounds.
The Atom Araullo Special’s “Nang Tumigil ang Mundo’” earned the “Best TV Special” award. Produced and aired during the community quarantine, the documentary featured the battle of the Philippines against COVID-19, showing how the pandemic has altered the lives of everyone here and abroad.
Inspirational drama The Gift, bannered by Alden Richards, won as Best Drama Series/Program.
Earning the Best Children and Youth Program was the weekly magical anthology Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko. Airing Sunday nights, the show is hosted by veteran actress Gloria Romero and features stories filled with values and lessons.
Various programs of GMA News TV were also conferred with honors this year. Flagship newscast State of the Nation with Jessica Soho took home the Best News Program for its “Tracing the Origins of Covid-19 in PH” episode. Midday newscast Balitangahali, on the other hand, won the Best Special Event Coverage for its Taal Volcano coverage last Jan. 13.
CMMA gave the Best News Magazine award to Investigative Documentaries. Hosted by Malou Mangahas, the show’s winning piece, ‘Malasakit,’ tried to determine if Filipinos still care for their fellowmen.
For the Radio category, Kapuso flagship AM station Super Radyo DZBB also took home various awards. The weekday tandem of Orly Trinidad and Lala Roque in Super Balita sa Tanghali Nationwide won as Best News Program while Connie Sison's health program on radio Pinoy MD sa Dobol B was honored as Best Counselling Radio Program.
DZBB’s delivery of Serbisyong Totoo amidst the pandemic via its Bantay COVID-19: Special Coverage likewise earned the Best News Commentary award.
CMMA also gave special citations to various Kapuso TV and radio programs.
Ako si Patient 2828, Howie Severino’s special documentary for I-Witness received Special Citation in the Best Adult Educational / Cultural Program category while Kara David’s “Manaram” episode for I-Witness was cited in the Best Public Service Program category.
GMA Regional TV’s (RTV) programs and initiatives also received Special Citation merits. These included GMA Regional TV Weekend News (Best News Program category); GMA Regional TV's Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels (Best TV Ad-Public Service), and Byaheng DO30, which airs on GMA Regional TV Channels in Mindanao (Best News Magazine Program).
For radio, earning a special citation in the Best Public Service Program category is DZBB’s Kay Susan Tayo.