ABS-CBN, GMA Network ratings game heats up

MANILA, Philippines - The ratings game between GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corp. continued to heat up as the former claimed it regained victory for the period of Sept. 1 to Oct.13, while the latter said it remained the most watched TV network in both urban and rural homes nationwide. 

Citing data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, GMA said in a statement it had an average audience share of 38.3 percent in National Urban Television Audience Measurement, beating ABS-CBN’s 37.6 percent for the period.

GMA likewise remained the leader in Urban Luzon which accounts for 77 percent of all viewers in urban TV homes in the country, through its 43.4 percent audience share, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 32.3 percent. 

In Mega Manila which represents 59 percent of urban viewers nationwide, GMA kept its total day ratings advantage through a 46.1 percent audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 28.2 percent.

Of the 30 top-rating shows in Urban Luzon for October, 18 were from GMA with telefantasya Encantadia getting the number one spot. 

Other GMA shows on the list were Alyas Robin Hood, 24 Oras, Pepito Manaloto, Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, Magpakailanman, Hay Bahay!, 24 Oras Weekend, Ismol Family, Sunday PinaSaya, Wowowin, Someone to Watch Over Me, Eat Bulaga, Imbestigador, Superstar Duets, #Like, Dear Uge and Sa Piling ni Nanay.  

Nielsen data was gathered from a nationwide sample size of 3,500 urban and rural homes.

For its part, ABS-CBN said in a statement it continues to be the country’s most watched TV network. 

Based on data from Kantar Media, ABS-CBN said it had a national average audience share of 45.7 percent for the period of Sept. 1 to Oct.13, higher than GMA’s 33.6 percent.

Kantar Media used a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes to represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.