GMA Network widens gap in national television ratings

GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) widened its gap over its competitors as it posted solid margins on national television ratings, validated by ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. According to full July household data (July 24 to 31 based on overnight ratings) in National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), GMA posted a total day average audience share of 34.2 points. This figure is 2.8 points higher than ABS-CBN’s 31.4 points and 18.8 points higher than TV5’s 15.4. Based on an estimated five viewers per household, the gaps translate to almost 500,000 more viewers nationwide who favored GMA over ABS-CBN; and 3.5 million more viewers who watched GMA instead of TV5. On the list of overall top 30 programs (not including "specials") during the period, GMA, with 16 entries, outnumbered ABS-CBN. GMA was noticeably strong in the afternoon block (from noon to 6:00 pm) as it won by double-digits over competitors ABS-CBN and TV5. Urban Luzon In Urban Luzon, which comprises 77 percent of total television households nationwide, GMA posted double-digit margins over ABS-CBN and TV5 in household audience shares. GMA's 37.9 points was 11.3 points higher than ABS-CBN's 26.6 points. GMA was 21.2 points ahead of TV5’s 16.7 points. The lead means 1.6 million more viewers in the area preferred GMA over ABS-CBN; and 3.1 million more viewers favored GMA over TV5. Mega Manila In viewer-rich Mega Manila, which makes up 58 percent of total television households nationwide, GMA scored 38.6 share points, 13.2 points ahead of ABS-CBN’s 25.4 points; and 21.3 points higher than TV5’s 17.3 points. The figures translate to GMA having 1.5 million more viewers over ABS-CBN; and 2.4 million more viewers over TV5. There were 20 GMA programs in the list of overall top 30 programs (less "specials") in Urban Luzon while 21 GMA programs made it to the same list in Mega Manila. In the top 10 roster, GMA almost made a clean sweep with nine entries in Mega Manila, and seven in Urban Luzon. Top programs "Amaya," "Munting Heredera," and "Eat Bulaga" were the top three programs in both areas. The other GMA programs that made it to the top 10 lists in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila include "Captain Barbell," "24 Oras," "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," and "Kap’s Amazing Stories." Manny Pacquiao’s "Manny Many Prizes" also made a hit debut on July 16 as it surpassed ABS-CBN’s "TV Patrol Weekend" and "Wansapanataym" in Mega Manila weekend primetime ratings. Richard Gutierrez’s "Captain Barbell" made a heroic bow during its last episode on July 29 as it beat ABS’ top primetime contender "100 Days To Heaven," which is now up against Marian Rivera’s epicserye "Amaya," in Mega Manila and Urban Luzon. Nielsen ratings Nielsen translates one rating point in NUTAM to 90,890 households and 421,530 viewers. In Urban Luzon, one rating point equals 69,700 households and 320,350 individuals; while in Mega Manila, one rating point is equivalent to 52,470 households and 239,070 individuals. The Nielsen TV Audience Measurement used by GMA is used by 21 companies including two other local networks, namely, TV5 and Solar Entertainment; Faulkner Media; CBN Asia; 13 advertising agencies and three regional clients. On the other hand, ABS-CBN is the only major local TV network reportedly subscribing to Kantar Media, formerly known as TNS. In Mega Manila alone, the Nielsen TV Audience Measurement has a sample size of 880 homes as compared to Kantar Media’s 770 homes. Nationwide, Nielsen has a total sample size of 2,005 homes compared to the lower sample size of 1,370 utilized by Kantar Media. - GMA News