GMA Network takes lead in Mega Manila, Urban Luzon for 2009

GMA Network Inc., the Philippines’ leading broadcast company, took the lead in television ratings for 2009 in viewer-rich Mega Manila and Urban Luzon. In Mega Manila, the network managed an average audience share of 39.8 percent from January to December, 7.8 percentage points higher than competition’s 32 percent, the company said in an emailed statement. The company led ABS-CBN across all day parts, it said, citing data from AGB Nielsen Philippines. Moreover, of Mega Manila’s overall top 30 programs for last year, 23 belonged to GMA Network Inc. “Boxing specials featuring the bouts of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao – Firepower (where he won over Cotto) and The Battle of the East and the West (where he won over Hatton) – took the top two slots, respectively," the company said in the same statement. Among regular shows, Darna came first with 35.5 rating points, while competition’s May Bukas Pa ranked behind by 8 rating points. In the meantime, of the top 20 most watched shows during the year, 14 belonged to GMA. Moreover, the first nine spots in the list were also shows belonging to the network. In daytime, GMA got 18 slots in the list of overall top 20 programs. The phenomenal team up of Kris Bernal and Aljur Abrenica in Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin? recorded the highest rating of 26 points. The Philippines’ longest-running noontime show, Eat Bulaga, posted an average rating of 24.2 points, beating Wowowee by 7.3 points. In Total Urban Luzon, which accounts for 77 percent of total viewing population in Urban Philippines, GMA beat ABS-CBN by 3.3 percentage points with average audience share of 38.4 percent. This year, GMA Network brings a stronger lineup of programs in celebration of its 60th anniversary. Huge first quarter offerings include Captain Barbel, The Last Prince, Encantadia (The Second Saga), Diva, Panday Kids, First Time, and Endless Love. GMA Network is also set to deliver a rundown of projects and specials for the biggest and most comprehensive coverage of the upcoming national elections dubbed, Eleksyon 2010. GMA Network Inc.'s digital subsidiary is GMA New Media Inc., the parent of GMANews.TV, the network's news website. - GMANews.TV