What Is 24 Oras Bikol

Overview

24 Oras Bikol is a regional news program produced by GMA Network to deliver localized content to the Bicol Region in the Philippines. It is a spin-off of the national newscast 24 Oras, adapted to serve the linguistic and cultural context of Bicolano-speaking communities.

The program focuses on current events, public service, and community stories relevant to residents of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. As part of GMA Regional TV, it strengthens the network’s commitment to decentralized broadcasting.

• Launched on July 16, 2023, marking GMA’s first full-length newscast in the Central Bikol language.
• Broadcasts from Naga City, the regional hub, using GMA Bicol’s dedicated studio and reporting team.
• Airs Monday through Friday at 6:30 PM, aligning with the national 24 Oras schedule but tailored for local viewers.
• Presented entirely in Central Bikolano, increasing accessibility for older and rural audiences who prefer vernacular media.
• Covers hyper-local issues such as agriculture, disaster preparedness, and local governance in the six-province region.

How It Works

24 Oras Bikol operates as a standalone newscast with its own editorial team, reporters, and anchors based in Bicol. The program integrates regional reporting with national news summaries and public service segments.

• Local Anchors: Hosted by experienced Bicolano journalists such as Mark Nunieza and Gela Sala, who bring regional credibility and familiarity.
• Daily Newsgathering: Reporters from each province file stories on politics, weather, health, and education for editorial review.
• Production Hub: All content is edited and broadcast from GMA’s Naga studio, equipped with digital transmission systems for cable and free TV.
• Language Standardization: Uses formal Central Bikolano to ensure clarity and consistency across diverse dialects within the region.
• Collaboration with National News: Shares resources with 24 Oras Manila while maintaining editorial independence on local matters.
• Digital Extension: Clips and full episodes are uploaded on GMA Regional TV’s Facebook and YouTube channels for wider reach.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of 24 Oras Bikol with other regional newscasts under GMA and competing networks:

This table highlights how 24 Oras Bikol fills a critical gap by offering content in the native language, unlike earlier Tagalog-dominant broadcasts. Its viewership has grown steadily, particularly in rural municipalities where language access improves engagement.

Why It Matters

24 Oras Bikol represents a significant shift in Philippine media toward inclusive, region-specific programming. By prioritizing local language and issues, it empowers communities with timely, relevant information.

• Increases media accessibility for over 70% of Bicol residents who are more comfortable with Bikol than Tagalog or English.
• Strengthens disaster response by broadcasting typhoon updates and evacuation orders in the local dialect during the peak season.
• Supports local governance by holding officials accountable through investigative reports on infrastructure and public funds.
• Promotes cultural preservation by normalizing the use of Bikol in formal media, reversing decades of linguistic marginalization.
• Creates regional jobs for over 45 journalists, producers, and technicians based in Naga and provincial bureaus.
• Sets a national model for other networks to replicate, encouraging more vernacular-based public service broadcasting.

The success of 24 Oras Bikol underscores the importance of localized news in strengthening democratic participation and community resilience. As GMA expands its regional footprint, the program remains a benchmark for culturally responsive journalism.