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 (until October 13; 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 (6am to 12nn), 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 (12nn to 6pm), 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 6pm to 12mn), GMA continued to increase its base of nationwide audiences as it substantially reduced competition’s margin in partial October.

National Urban Philippines is composed of Mega Manila (which makes up 58% of total urban television households), Urban Luzon (which makes up 77% of total urban television households including Mega Manila), Urban Visayas (13% of total urban TV households), and Urban Mindanao (10% 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 partial 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% growth in consolidated gross revenues from regular advertising and subscription accounts in the first half of 2011 compared to the same period last year. (GMA 7 Press Release)