GMA Network keeps strong lead in Mega Manila TV ratings

GMA Network has kept its strong TV ratings lead in viewer-rich Mega Manila in 2009 according to data from AGB Nielsen, the recognized TV ratings data supplier in the country. Based on AGB Nielsen’s 2010 TV household population projections, Mega Manila TV households now comprise 55% of the National Urban Philippines TV population. From January to December 2009, GMA Network posted an average total day (6 am – 12 mn) audience share of 40%, 8 percentage points higher than ABS-CBN’s 32% in the same period. In Metro Manila, GMA Network garnered an average audience share of 37%, up by 3 percentage points compared to ABS-CBN’s 34%. In the same twelve-month period, 21 GMA Network shows made it to the overall top 30 programs list in Mega Manila, with the top eight programs all Kapuso shows including Darna, Luna Mystika, Zorro, Totoy Bato, Lalola, Stairway to Heaven, 24 Oras, and Gagambino. Including specials, GMA Network had 23 programs out of the top 30, with the top 12 slots all belonging to the Kapuso network. Improved GMA lead in January 2010 While GMA’s lead in Mega Manila was reduced in December 2009, with the Kapuso network posting an audience share of 36% against ABS’ 35.8%, GMA Network recovered and improved its lead in audience share in January 2010, with 38.3% against ABS-CBN’s 35.3%. Moreover, GMA Network has kept the nationwide gap within striking margin, posting an average audience share of 34.3% or just 6.6 percentage points away from ABS-CBN’s 40.9% from January to December 2009. Thirteen out of the top 30 shows nationwide are GMA Network shows. More subscribers to AGB Nielsen The National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) panel of AGB Nielsen has a sample size of 1,980 TV homes nationwide, compared to its rival TNS’ 1,370 panel homes. In Urban Luzon, which comprises 77% of NUTAM, AGB Nielsen has 1,200 panel homes against TNS’ 1,054; while in Mega Manila, AGB has 800 panel homes versus TNS’ 770. AGB Nielsen Philippines provides TV ratings data to at least 24 local companies including GMA Network and another TV channel (not ABS-CBN). Top media agencies plus six regional clients likewise subscribe to AGB Nielsen. On the other hand, according to sources, ABS-CBN is the sole subscriber to TNS. — JV, GMANews.TV