ABS-CBN claims victory over GMA Network in TV ratings war

BY MARICEL E. ESTAVILLO, BusinessWorld Reporter Propelled by popular evening soaps, game shows, and reality TV, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. is claiming victory in the raging ratings war, trumpeting the results of a recent national survey which saw the Lopez-led television network ahead of chief rival GMA Network, Inc. Citing a report by AGB-Nielsen Media Research covering the period March 4 to 17, ABS-CBN said it was "comfortably ahead" of GMA in nationwide urban TV viewership, with a share of 47% against GMA’s 35%. ABS-CBN’s total daytime rating for the period was 19%, compared with GMA’s 14%. Fifteen of the top 20 programs came from ABS-CBN, the AGB-Nielsen report showed. Primetime drama shows Sana Maulit Muli and Maging Sino Ka Man topped the list, along with the early evening newscast TV Patrol World. The top 20 also included reality show Pinoy Big Brother and noontime game show Wowowee. GMA programs in the top 20 were Asian Treasures (7th), Super Twins (8th), Bakekang (12th), Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (16th), and news program 24 Oras (20th). In a statement, Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN executive vice-president, said the network was "happy to hear the great news, but will remain vigilant in nurturing the leadership." "We will be constantly aware of the differences in the needs of Filipinos in different parts of the country and even the world to make sure that we meet all their viewing needs," Ms. Concio said. Sought for comment, Butch S. Racquel, GMA vice-president for corporate communications, said the network never claimed leadership in all areas covered by surveys. Citing the same AGB-Nielsen survey, Mr. Racquel said GMA continues to lead in "Mega Manila," which includes Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. From March 4 to 17, GMA posted an average total day rating of 17.3% against ABS-CBN’s 14.7%, he said. "It is interesting to note that Mega Manila, where GMA Network leads in TV ratings, comprises 51% of the total number of TV households in urban areas in the country, based on [survey data]," Mr. Racquel said. The whole of Luzon — including Mega Manila — accounts for 74% of the country’s total urban TV households, with the remaining 26% distributed to other areas. For Miguel Jose T. Navarette, ABS-CBN vice-president for finance, the company is on a "financial turnaround" as a result of improved programming. Mr. Navarette said the company’s financial results for 2006 were way better than the previous year. ABS-CBN will release its 2006 financial report in two weeks. In 2005, its net income fell by 62% to P288 million from P758 million the year earlier. For the first time in three years, ABS-CBN said last week that it would issue a cash dividend of P0.45 per share. ABS-CBN will also refinance an $85-million loan, through an agreement with ABN Amro Bank, N.V., BPI Capital Corp., and ING Bank N.V.