The two Kapuso programs were reportedly among those hit by cost-cutting measures at the network.
In an article published by media industry blog Medianewser Philippines, GMA Integrated News has implemented changes to its shows this month.
GMA’s late-night newscast ‘Saksi’ and secondary Kapuso channel GTV’s flagship news program ‘State of the Nation’ were among those affected, as both programs “quietly” shifted to the one-anchor format this month.
Citing new promotional posters released by both programs, it can be seen that Pia Arcangel has gone solo in ‘Saksi,’ while ‘SONA’ has reverted to its original single-anchor format with Atom Araullo at helm.
While there was no specific date when it first began, a review of the past editions of both shows indicate that the last time ‘Saksi’ was presented by two anchors was on Friday, October 11, with Arcangel and temporary co-anchor Araullo joining forces.
It should be noted that long-time anchor Arnold Clavio has not presented since June 2024 after suffering from hemorrhagic stroke that month.
He had also not returned to his late-night spot since his return in August, opting to continue his morning duties on ‘Unang Hirit’ and DZBB.
As for ‘State of the Nation,’ it last implemented a dual-anchor team on Thursday, October 10, which was also the last time co-anchor Maki Pulido was seen in the program this month.
Since Monday, October 14, both ‘Saksi’ and ‘SONA’ have since been broadcasting with lone anchors in Arcangel and Araullo, respectively.
Pia Arcangel’s other newscast, “24 Oras Weekend,” which she co-anchors with Ivan Mayrina will also reportedly explore the same set-up, the Medianewser article reported. But instead of having one of them go, Arcangel and Mayrina will be rotating as sole anchors.
Although, as of Sunday, October 26, they continue to appear and present the weekend news program together.
In a related development, GTV has also reduced its live news programming after the late afternoon newsmagazine program ‘Dapat Alam Mo!’ with Kim Atienza and Susan Enriquez officially ended its three-year-long run on Friday, October 25.
These movements allegedly happen as GMA saw its profit dip in the first half of 2024.
Part of the network-wide cost-cutting measures include the cancelation of weekly morning talk show ‘Sarap ‘Di Ba?’ and the regional newscasts ‘Balitang Southern Tagalog’ and ‘Balitang Bicolandia’ in September.