GMA Network tops Mega Manila TV ratings in January

MANILA, Philippines - GMA Network continued its dominance in Mega Manila TV ratings as of January 2010, according to data released by AGB Nielsen Philippines.

For the month of January, GMA Network posted an average total day audience share of 38.3 percent, 3 percentage points higher than its main competitor’s 35.3 percent. The strong performance was due to adjustments made by the network in its programming line-up and schedule, coupled with viewers getting hooked in the exciting developments that unfolded in various GMA primetime programs that peaked during the month.

Mega Manila TV households now comprise 55 percent of the National Urban Philippines TV population and are generated from a bigger panel of 800 TV households, based on AGB Nielsen’s 2010 TV household population projections.

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.

Darna was on top of the overall highest rating programs with an average household rating of 32.1 percent. The series ended last Feb. 19, and was replaced by another exciting “telefantasya,” Panday Kids.

Other shows that made it to the top 10 include The Last Prince; GMA’s flagship news program 24 Oras; Full House; and GMA’s 2009 Christmas series that extended until January, Sana Ngayong Pasko.

Meanwhile, in 2009, apart from maintaining its stronghold in Mega Manila TV ratings, GMA Network programs likewise topped their respective formats or genres. The highest rating primetime drama program for 2009 was Darna; while Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin? was the highest daytime drama show.

Bitoy’s Funniest Videos rated highest among comedy or gag shows last year; while Family Feud Celebrity Edition was the highest rating game show. Mel and Joey was the top general talk show.

The longest running noontime variety show Eat Bulaga, which celebrated its 30th year in 2009, topped all general variety programs. Kap’s Amazing Stories and Sobrang Okey Pare (SOP) were the highest rating infotainment and musical variety shows, respectively.

Primetime news program 24 Oras remained number one among newscasts; while Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho was 2009’s most watched public affairs feature program. Imbestigador remained the highest rating public affairs investigative show.

Survivor Philippines Palau beat all reality shows; while Startalk was the highest rating showbiz talk show.