GMA Network strengthens TV ratings in August

MANILA, Philippines - GMA Network has strengthened its Mega Manila ratings performance this August, according to TV ratings service Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

Mega Manila, an acknowledged bailiwick since 2003, comprises 55 percent of total urban television households nationwide.  

Based on total day (from 6 a.m. to 12 nn) people data during the covered period (Aug. 22-31 based on overnight ratings data), GMA registered an imposing 6.7-point lead in audience share with 37.9 as compared to its main competitor’s 31.2. The lead of more than six points widened from the 5.6-point margin in July.

In channel ratings, from a one-point lead in July, GMA hiked the lead to 1.2 points in August with seven points, 5.8 points of chief rival ABS-CBN.

GMA also dominated the list of the top 30 Mega Manila programs with 18 entries. GMA News and Public Affairs’ Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown and 24 Oras were the two highest ranking programs in the roster. 

The much-awaited comeback of the hit reality series Survivor Philippines on primetime television debuted with an impressive 18.2 rating points, leaving ABS-CBN’s counterpart Noah with just 12.8 rating points. The series, with a powerhouse celebrity cast, is now hosted by one of GMA’s most bankable matinee idols – Richard Gutierrez.

On the list, seven of the top 10 programs were GMA-produced. Other Kapuso shows that made it to the top 10 included Pilyang Kerubin, Ilumina, Endless Love, Kap’s Amazing Stories and Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.

In Urban Luzon, where 77 percent of total urban television households nationwide are found, GMA managed to keep its edge over competition. In audience shares, GMA booked a 2.5-point lead with 36.6 points as against its rival’s 34.1. The lead was up from the margin recorded in July, which was at 0.4 point. In channel ratings, the lead grew from 0.1 point in July to 0.5 in August.

Sixteen of the top 30 programs in Urban Luzon were from GMA. Survivor Philippines was still the highest rated program in the roster. Other programs that made it to the top 10 included 24 Oras, Pilyang Kerubin, Ilumina, Kap’s Amazing Stories and Endless Love.

In National Urban Philippines, a good bulk of the viewing population has turned Kapuso. Based on the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), GMA trimmed ABS-CBN’s lead in audience shares from 8.2 points the previous month to 5.4 points in August; and in channel ratings from 1.5 points in July to just one point in August.

GMA said it is readying its lineup of television launches that will grace its packed programming grid in the coming months. The upcoming Kapuso shows include the game show Asar Talo to be hosted by Edu Manzano, the light drama series Bantatay starring Raymart Santiago and the fantaseries Grazilda to be led by Glaiza de Castro, among others.