GMA, ABS both claim ratings lead

MANILA, Philippines—Television networks have claimed dominance nationwide ratings for the month of November as they try to convince advertisers to spend more on their respective channels.

Lopez-led ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. claimed the lead in nationwide primetime ratings, while GMA Network Inc. said it was ahead in all-day ratings, based on data released by different research firms.

“ABS-CBN continued to dominate nationwide primetime TV ratings in November with its strong line-up of shows,” the company said in a statement on Monday. Its average primetime audience share for the month was at 42 percent, higher than rival GMA Network’s 31 percent.

The “Kapamilya” network also ruled the primetime block of 6 p.m. to 12 midnight in Metro Manila with an average audience share of 36 percent vs GMA’s 34 percent.

For the balance of Luzon (areas in Luzon outside Mega Manila), ABS-CBN had an average share of 44 percent vis-à-vis GMA’s 31 percent. In the Visayas it had an average share of 60 percent versus GMA’s 19 percent; and Mindanao, 61 percent versus GMA’s 15 percent.

ABS-CBN said advertisers spend about half of their budgets on primetime

placements.

ABS-CBN based its ratings data on reports made by research firm Kantar Media. ABS-CBN shifted to Kantar Media after accusing its former provider AGB Nielsen Media Research of cheating and data tampering in TV ratings. The case is still pending in court.

AGB Nielsen still provides ratings data for GMA Network Inc. In its latest report, Nielsen said GMA remained the No. 1 free-to-air television channel with 37.5 total day average household audience share points, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 29.3 percent by an imposing 8.2 percent; and much higher than TV5’s 15 percent.

“GMA was notably the only TV station that grew its total day household audience share performance across all areas this November relative to the previous month,” GMA said.

In Mega Manila, which comprises 58 percent of TV households nationwide, GMA registered 42.2 percent, 18.9 percentage points ahead of ABS-CBN’s 23.3 percent.