GMA Network tops TV ratings in Luzon and Mega Manila

Broadcast giant GMA Network, backed by the strong performance of its primetime programs, continued to beat rival ABS-CBN in TV ratings in viewer-rich Mega Manila and urban Luzon. According to TV ratings data supplier Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, GMA Network has also reduced the gap in the nationwide survey in September. Mega Manila and Total Urban Luzon comprise 55 percent and 77 percent respectively of all the urban television households nationwide. From September 1 to 21 (September 12-21 readings based on overnight data), GMA was way ahead of ABS-CBN in Mega Manila. GMA had an average total day (6:00 a.m. to midnight/12:00 a.m.) audience share of 37.1 percent, higher by six percentage points over ABS-CBN’s 31.1 percent. In Total Urban Luzon, GMA led ABS-CBN by 2.3 percent as the Kapuso Network posted an average total day audience share of 36 percent against ABS-CBN’s 33.7 percent. “GMA Network continues to be strong in Mega Manila and Urban Luzon with a noted improvement in its overall ratings performance in these areas since July," said Jay Bautista, Executive Director for Client Service of Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. "GMA’s lead is supported by high rating new programs on primetime, as well as better performance in its noontime show and afternoon soaps. While GMA still trails ABS-CBN in the national survey, the gap for the past two months were lower compared to July," Bautista added. Based on Nielsen’s nationwide survey, GMA has reduced ABS-CBN’s lead in audience share from 8.2 percent in July to 5.4 percent in August and partly in September (September 1 to 21). Also in August, GMA had more viewers in the C2DE socio-economic class in Urban Luzon, which comprises 94% of the total TV urban population. TV households belonging to the ABC1 socio-economic class make up for only 6% of the total TV urban population. Kapuso programs In Mega Manila, "Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown," hosted by Richard Gutierrez, led all programs in the "Top 10 List" from September 5 to 18. The newly-launched primetime series "Grazilda," top-billed by Glaiza De Castro, ranked second. The other TV programs that made it to the Top 10 List were "Ilumina," starring Rhian Ramos and Jackie Rice; flagship news program "24 Oras;" weekend primetime public affairs programs "Imbestigador" and "Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho." In Urban Luzon, GMA Network had 16 entries in the list of Top 30 Programs from September 1 to 21. In the national ratings survey, 14 out of the top 30 TV shows were Kapuso programs. The Nielsen TV Audience Measurement used by GMA Network is used by at least 23 other local companies. Top media agencies and six regional clients likewise subscribe to Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. Meanwhile, only ABS-CBN reportedly subscribes to Kantar Media, formerly known as TNS Philippines. –VVP, GMANews.TV