GMA Network keeps lead in Mega Manila TV ratings - survey

MANILA, Philippines - Broadcasting giant GMA Network has kept its stronghold of television ratings lead in viewer-rich Mega Manila in 2009, according to data from TV ratings data supplier AGB Nielsen.

Based on AGB Nielsen’s 2010 TV household population projections, Mega Manila TV households now comprise 55 percent of the National Urban Philippines TV population. 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 percent 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. Top media agencies plus six regional clients likewise subscribe to AGB Nielsen.

From January to December 2009, GMA Network posted an average total day (6 a.m.-12 m.n.) audience share of 40 percent, eight percentage points higher than main rival ABS-CBN’s 32 percent in the same period. In Metro Manila, GMA Network garnered an average audience share of 37 percent, up by three percentage points compared to ABS-CBN’s 34 percent.

Also during the same period, 21 GMA Network shows made it to the overall top 30 programs list in Mega Manila, with the top two programs all Kapuso shows.

Including specials, GMA Network had 23 programs out of the top 30, with the top 12 slots all belonging to the Kapuso network.

Moreover, GMA Network has kept the nationwide gap within striking margin, posting an average audience share of 34.3 percent or just 6.6 percentage points away from ABS-CBN’s 40.9 percent last year.

Thirteen out of the top 30 shows nationwide are GMA Network shows.

While GMA’s lead in Mega Manila was reduced in Dec. 2009, with the network posting an audience share of 36 percent against ABS-CBN’s 35.8 percent, GMA recovered and improved its lead in audience share in Jan. 2010, with 38.3 percent against ABS-CBN’s 35.3 percent.