GMA Network fortifies regional presence at the start of 2013

MANILA, Philippines - Coming from an exceptionally productive 2012, GMA Network intensifies its commitment to further strengthen its presence all over the country and to reach more viewers this 2013. For January alone, GMA is set to launch its newest originating station and takes part in three of the country’s grandest festivals.

As part of the Network’s aggressive regional expansion efforts, GMA 7 launches the latest addition to its growing number of originating stations in the country: GMA Northern Mindanao.

Strategically located in Cagayan de Oro, GMA Northern Mindanao is expected to service over 1,404,183 estimated television households thereby effectively widening the Network’s reach in the region.

GMA Northern Mindanao, which airs starting Jan. 28, covers parts of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bohol, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Compostela Valley, North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur and Maguindanao.

 And as the country celebrates three of the country’s grandest festivals this month, GMA Network goes full-blast as it brings its brightest stars and biggest primetime offerings to Iloilo’s Dinagyang. In celebration of the Ati-Atihan Festival, widely-known as the “Mother of All Festivals,” homegrown talents Aljur Abrenica and Mark Herras graced the Mutya Ag Lakan It Kalibo 2013 Grand Pageant Finale and Coronation Night while a Kapuso Night featuring Kris Bernal, Louise de Los Reyes and Mark Bautista was warmly received by thousands of Aklanons amid rain showers.

 Meanwhile, Cebu’s most spectacular fete Sinulog Festival was celebrated by the Network’s phenomenal primetime programs along with the cast led by Sen. Bong Revilla from Indio, GMA’s elaborate and most expensive epicserye to date; Marian Rivera from the heart-rending Temptation of Wife; and Dingdong Dantes and Lorna Tolentino from the daring teleserye Pahiram ng Sandali.

 Following the strong presence of the Network in Cebu is its equally exciting participation in the upcoming Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo scheduled at the end of the month. On Jan. 26, Sen. Bong, Jennylyn Mercado and Rhian Ramos will join the Kasadyahan Parade before meeting their fans in a Kapuso mall show.

 The powerful start to 2013 ensues from the highly successful 2012 the Network has just concluded as GMA keeps its nationwide ratings advantage for the second straight year, according to data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

For the period January to December 2012, GMA scored an average total day household audience share of 34.4 percent. 

GMA’s lead in the nationwide ratings was due to the strong performance of its morning and afternoon blocks. In the hotly contested evening block, in turn, GMA narrowed the gap from its closest competitor while increasing its margin over TV5.