GMA Network widens lead in nationwide television ratings

Broadcast giant GMA Network Inc. (GMA) increased its nationwide ratings lead over ABS-CBN based on most recent data of broadcast industry’s widely trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. Based on partial October data (October 9 to 13 based on overnight readings), GMA recorded its highest nationwide ratings margin over competition in total day household audience shares by an impressive 7.4 points with 35.8 points versus ABS-CBN’s 28.4. The lead resulted from the Network’s improving ratings across all timeblocks, most notably in primetime. In the morning block (6 a.m. to 12 nn), the Kapuso Network more than doubled its national ratings lead against competition from 4.1 points in September to 9.2 points in partial October. Moreover, in the widely watched afternoon block (12 nn to 6 p.m.), GMA’s national ratings lead over ABS-CBN grew to a stellar 21 points. Current program roster of GMA’s hit afternoon block is composed of the longest-running noontime variety show “Eat Bulaga," daytime locally-produced series “Pahiram ng Isang Ina," “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin," “Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit," “Koreanovela Cinderella Man," and gateway to primetime offering “Daldalita." On primetime (from 6 p.m. to 12 mn), GMA continued to increase its base of nationwide audiences as it substantially reduced competition’s margin in partial October. Kapuso programs continued to dominate National Urban Philippines is composed of Mega Manila (which makes up 58 percent of total urban television households), Urban Luzon (77 percent of total urban television households including Mega Manila), Urban Visayas (13 percent of total urban TV households), and Urban Mindanao (10 percent of total urban TV households). Kapuso programs on weekdays and weekends continued to dominate the lists of overall top 15 programs in the key areas of Mega Manila and Urban Luzon. These programs include “Iglot," “Amaya," “Munting Heredera," “Time of My Life," “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" and “Pepito Manaloto." Banner newscast “24 Oras," anchored by Mike Enriquez and Mel Tiangco, continued to be the most watched newscast in the audience-rich areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, and further reduced competition’s margin in Urban Visayas and Urban Mindanao in the partial results of October. The Nielsen TV Audience Measurement used by GMA is also 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 local major 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 800 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 Network posted a 22 percent growth in consolidated gross revenues from regular advertising and subscription accounts in the first half of 2011 compared to the same period last year. — VS, GMA News