Leaving one’s home studio of 17 years required tons of prayers and soul-searching.
That’s Kim Atienza confirming to us news that he’s moving to GMA-7 starting on the first week of October.
Kuya Kim, as the 54-year-old TV personality is known, told us in a phone interview Sept. 30 that he’s breaking into 24 Oras on the week of Oct. 4.
‘’There’s no truth to rumors that I’ll be replacing Mang Tani in the program’s weather portion. On the other hand, I will be there to support him,’’ Kim said.
Kuya Kim says GMA’s offer is too good to pass up ‘’for someone my age.’’ The three-program package includes daily morning show, Mars Pa More, and a daily entertainment trivia show in tandem with two other GMA anchors to air as pre-programming to 24 Oras.
He also liked it that GMA is lining him up in shows that are congruent with his equity as Kuya Kim, a brand that he credits ABS-CBN for nurturing these many years.
The Atienza family maintains a durable relationship with GMA, which is the home of Maynila, the weekly program that they co-produce with the network. Kim says he formally bid goodbye to his ABS-CBN bosses on a sad note.
‘’But, I want to grow furthermore in my remaining years as a broadcaster. I didn’t leave ABS-CBN in their darkest hours last year. I am leaving now when there’s light at the end of the tunnel.’’
Just a hint: ABS-CBN has joined forces with a giant conglomerate that will revolutionize TV viewing in the coming days.