Solons comment on ABS-CBN franchise renewal

Natutulog lamang diumano sa Kongreso ang may lagpas sampung panukalang batas na naglalayong mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa ang ABS-CBN.

Ayon sa ulat ng One News/News5 kagabi, February 6, sinabi ni House Legislative Franchises Committee Chairman Franz "Chikoy" Alvarez na inuuna ng kanyang komite ang mga mas importanteng panukala.

Hindi rin masabi ng kongresista mula sa Palawan kung kailan nila maikakalendaryo ang proposed bills sa franchise renewal ng Kapamilya network.

Sa kabilang banda, hinihikayat ng Makabayan bloc ng Kongreso ang Legislative Franchises Committee na talakayin na ang mga panukalang batas patungkol sa prangkisa ng broadcast giant.

Kamakailan lamang, inihain nila ang House Bill 6052 na naglalayong mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa ang istasyon.

Dagdag pa ni Bayan Muna Congressman Carlos Zarate ng Makabayan bloc, “Nakita naman natin kahapon na napakabilis na ipinasa ang mga prangkisa, application for franchise and renewal.”

May halos isang buwan na lamang ang Kongreso para matalakay ang franchise renewal bills bago mag-summer break sa March 14.

Nakatakdang mapaso ang 25-year franchise ng ABS-CBN sa March 30, 2020.

Ayon naman kay Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez, kapag hindi na-renew ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN, maaaring magbigay ang Kongreso ng provisional franchise upang makapagpatuloy na makapag-broadcast ang network hanggang sa makakuha sila ng legislative franchise.

“There can be a provisional authority that can be authorized by Congress to the National Telecomunications Commission, which has jurisdiction over broadcast media.”

Ayon pa kay Rodriguez, maaaring magpatuloy ang digital operations ng ABS-CBN.

Si Congressman Rodriguez ang author ng House Bill No. 5705, na naglalayong mabigyan ng bagong legislative franchise to broadcast ang Kapamilya network.

Noong January 22, nangako si House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano na tatalakayin na sa Kongreso sa unang linggo ng Pebrero ang franchise applications.

Ngunit hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin naisasalang sa Committee on Legislative Franchises ang franchise renewal bills ng ABS-CBN.

https://www.pep.ph/news/local/149227/solons-comment-on-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-a718-20200207

ABS-CBN bills bypassed anew as House panel takes up legislative franchise measures

The House committee on legislative franchises bypassed anew all eight bills proposing to grant broadcast giant ABS-CBN another 25 years to operate.

The House panel conducted its first congressional hearing for 2020 on Tuesday but did not include the ABS-CBN franchise renewal bills on the agenda.

In all hearings conducted last year, the committee deliberated on other measures except the ABS-CBN bills authored by senior administration and opposition lawmakers.

Four legislative proposals, all recent filings compared to at least three ABS-CBN bills, were taken up during the hearing presided over by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, committee chairman.

The four were swiftly approved by the House panel the same day they were deliberated on.

Approved were House Bill (HB) No. 4162 granting the Romeo Cabresante Servando company another 25 years to operate a radio-television network, HB 5154 for the legislative franchise of Philand Communications Network, HB 5361 for the FBS Radio Network, and HB 5154 for the Century Communications Marketing Corporation.

Before the adjournment, Alvarez was asked when he intended to set the ABS-CBN legislative franchise for committee hearing.

Alvarez responded by saying that this is still being studied.  He did not elaborate.

The continued broadcasting operation of ABS-CBN has drawn serious opposition from various quarters, including President Duterte who has accused the network of being prejudiced against him during the 2016 presidential campaign.

However, the committee’s indecisiveness in scheduling the legislative franchise bills for a hearing is caused by an intense lobby allegedly by leaders of an influential religious sect who resented the network’s coverage of controversies that involved them.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/06/abs-cbn-bills-bypassed-anew-as-house-panel-takes-up-legislative-franchise-measures/

Progressive solons urge House franchise committee to tackle ABS-CBN renewal bills

By Charissa Luci-Atienza

Progressive lawmakers challenged the House committee on legislative franchises on Thursday (Feb. 5) to prove its independence from the Executive by immediately tackling measures seeking to renew the franchise of broadcast network ABS-CBN for another 25 years.

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate exhorted his colleagues to prove that they are not a rubber stamp of Malacañang by exercising their mandate to hear measures concerning press freedom.

He said the House committee on legislative franchises, chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, has yet to calendar the measures for its discussion.

Alvarez said last year his panel would tackle the bills in early 2020.

“Let us fulfill our responsibility that we are an independent branch of our government. Let us fulfill our duties and responsibilities as legislators to tackle the application for renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN,” Zarate told reporters in a press conference.

“The hearing on the application for the renewal of franchise of the ABS-CBN should be immediately set.”

He said the non-action of the House on the matter would imperil the livelihood of the network’s 11,000 employees.

The Lopez-owned broadcasting firm would have to close down its operations by March 30, 2020 if the legislative franchise is not granted.



ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said in the Alvarez panel hearing on Wednesday
(Feb.5) that Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito-Castelo had inquired about the status of the franchise bills.

“The answer was they are still studying the bills. They have long been studying these proposals since the 17th Congress,” Castro said. “We should tackle this so that the burden will not be on us, but on President Duterte.”

Last year, Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones appealed to President Duterte to “reconsider his position” as far as the non-renewal of television giant ABS-CBN’s franchise or its sale is concerned.

The chairman of the House committee on tourism expressed her hope that the chief executive would show concern and compassion to the thousands of employees of ABS-CBN who will be affected either by the non-renewal of the TV network’s legislative franchise, or its sale.

“I appeal to the President to reconsider his position on the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, as its non-renewal or its sale to third parties may threaten the livelihoods of over 11,000 employees––many of whom I worked with during my stint as a reporter in the network,” she said.

“The past three-plus years have shown that the President’s actions are guided by his concern and his compassion for our people.”

Aragones is one of the principal authors of a bill seeking to renew the ABS-CBN franchise for another 25 years.

In a speech before earthquake victims in M’lang, North Cotabato in December last year, President Duterte said it would be better for the Lopezes to sell their network, hinting at the possibility that its franchise will not be granted.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano had given the assurance that the House of Representatives would give due attention to the measures concerning freedom of the press, including the proposed renewal of the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN Corp.

He said like with any other hearings, it is the obligation of Congress to be “fair” and “to bring out those real issues and to give the other side the opportunity to respond and determine who is right.”

In 2017, President Duterte publicly declared he would oppose the renewal of ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise. Since then, he has launched repeated tirades against the network for its supposed refusal to run his advertisements during the 2016 election campaign and for showing an ad critical of him.

Among the authors of the franchise bill are Aragones, Nueva Ecija Rep. Micaela Violago, Deputy Speakers Vilma Santos and Baby Arenas, Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda.

The House of Representatives during the previous 17th Congress failed to act on the bill.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/06/progressive-solons-urge-house-franchise-committee-to-tackle-abs-cbn-renewal-bills/

Clock is ticking: House pressed to urgently tackle ABS-CBN franchise renewal

Over a month before the franchise of media giant ABS-CBN expires, lawmakers pushed leaders of the House of Representatives to deal with the issue.

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate said Thursday the lower chamber should perform its responsibilities as an independent body from the executive department.

To recall, President Rodrigo Duterte, on numerous occasions, has declared he would block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN due to supposed “violations” committed by the broadcast network. ABS-CBN’s legal franchise to operate is set to lapse on March 30.

“Muli hinahamon namin ang liderato ng kamarang ito na isalang na at dinggin ang prangkisa. If there’s a ground to renew it, if there is basis to renew it, so be it. Kung wala sa pagdinig, then so be it,” Zarate said in a press briefing.

(Again, we are challenging the leaders of the House to hear the franchise of ABS-CBN. If there’s a ground to renew it, if there is a basis to renew it, so be it. If there is none, then so be it.)

“Gawin natin ang ating duties and responsibilities as legislators na tingnan itong application for renewal ng prangkisa ng ABS-CBN,” the lawmaker added.

(Let us perform our duties and responsibilities as legislators and look into the application for renewal of franchise of ABS-CBN.)

Zarate said the matter not only covers the franchise of ABS-CBN but also the employment of the 11,000 workers who would be directly affected by the closure of the media company.

Further, the lawmaker said that if Malacañang really does not approve of the franchise renewal, Duterte can still veto it even if it is approved by Congress.

Meanwhile, ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said the lower chamber should still hear the measure so the blame would not be put on the legislative branch.

“Sana ‘wag mapunta ‘yung blame sa legislation kasi personal na away lang ito ng Presidente with ABS-CBN. Kaya ang hamon natin sa liderato, i-hearing na ito,” Castro said.

(I hope the blame would not be put on legislation because this is a personal feud between the President and ABS-CBN. So our challenge to the House leadership [is] set a hearing on this.)

“Kung kailangan ilagay sa plenary, pagdebatehan ‘yan para ang burden ay hindi sa legislation. Hindi dito ang burden kundi kay President Duterte,” she added.

(If we need to bring this to the plenary, debate on it so the burden won’t be on legislation. The burden isn’t here but to President Duterte.)

For Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal is about press freedom.

“Syempre ipinagtatanggol natin dito ‘yung press freedom. Talagang notorious sa ngayon na ang mga nalalabag ay ang ating civil political-economic rights,” Brosas said.

(Of course, we’d fight for press freedom here. Right now, violations of our civil political-economic rights are really notorious.)

Republic Act No. 3846 requires television and radio broadcasting companies to secure a franchise from the government before they are allowed to operate. It is Congress that will decide whether to extend the franchise to public utilities, such as the media.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has previously said that Palawan 1st Dist. Rep. Franz Alvarez, chair of the House committee on legislative franchises, recommended that franchise bills be tackled in the first week of February.

On Wednesday, February 5, the House panel on legislative franchises conducted hearings but ABS-CBN’s franchise was not on the agenda. The House of Representatives is scheduled to take a break on March 13.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1225150/clock-is-ticking-house-pressed-to-urgently-tackle-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal

Rival TV networks claim lead

ABS-CBN Corp. said it remained “leader” in national television ratings last month, while GMA Network, Inc. said it “clinched the top spot,” citing different rating providers.

The Lopez-led media giant said its nationwide TV audience share for the month of January, as reported by Kantar Media, stood at 38%, beating its rival GMA’s 32%.

ABS-CBN said Kantar Media used a nationwide panel composed of 2,610 urban and rural homes, representing 100% of the total TV viewing population of the country.

In Metro Manila, ABS-CBN said its audience share stood at 38% versus GMA’s 27%. But in mega Manila, the company had a share of 32% compared to GMA’s 33%.

GMA also beat ABS-CBN in total Luzon as its audience share stood at 35% versus the Lopez firm’s 34%.

In the Visayas, ABS-CBN had a share of 49% against GMA’s 27%. In Mindanao, it had a 44% share against GMA’s 28%.

ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida programs continued to draw a large viewership across the country. FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano topped the list of most watched programs, followed by Make It With You and A Soldier’s Heart and the recently concluded Starla and The Killer Bride.


Other Kapamilya shows that ranked in the top 10 were TV Patrol, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet, Your Moment, Maalaala Mo Kaya, I Can See Your Voice, Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo?, The Haunted, Gandang Gabi Vice, Umagang Kay Ganda, Magandang Buhay, It’s Showtime, Ipaglaban Mo, Kadenang Ginto, Sandugo, SOCO, Kuha Mo and Pamilya Ko.

Meanwhile, GMA said it recorded an average of 34.7% total day people audience share nationwide last month against ABS-CBN’s 31.7%. The network cited data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

In urban Luzon, GMA said its audience share stood at 36.7% against ABS-CBN’s 29.1%.

For mega Manila, GMA said it posted a 37.1% average total day people audience share against ABS-CBN’s 27%.

“Both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila respectively account for 72 and 57 percent of all urban viewers in the country,” GMA said.

Similarly, more GMA shows made it to NUTAM’s list of top programs for January. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), which was the undisputed number one show in 2019, still remained in the top spot.

GMA also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila top programs lists where it respectively grabbed 19 and 20 spots out of the overall top 30.

Aside from KMJS, the Network’s ratings drivers for January were Magpakailanman, 24 Oras, Pepito Manaloto, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Daddy’s Gurl, The Gift, Beautiful Justice, Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday, Amazing Earth, One of the Baes, Prima Donnas, Eat Bulaga, Kapuso Movie Night, The Boobay and Tekla Show, 24 Oras Weekend, Unang Hirit, Mars Pa More, Magkaagaw, Wowowin, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Madrasta, Tadhana, Wish Ko Lang, and Imbestigador. — Arjay L. Balinbin

https://www.bworldonline.com/rival-tv-networks-claim-lead/

ABS-CBN retains lead but GMA 7 recaptures nationwide urban ratings

By JAMES A. LOYOLA

The ratings competition heats up in January with ABS-CBN retaining the nationwide lead but rival GMA Network has reclaimed the top spot for urban areas in the country.

ABS-CBN said it opened 2020 with a TV audience share of 38 percent compared to GMA’s 32 percent in January, according to data from Kantar Media.

The network kept its firm grip of all time blocks, remaining the leader during primetime with 41 percent as GMA earned 33 percent; in the morning with 34 percent versus GMA’s 27 percent; at noontime with 37 percent versus GMA’s 33 percent; and in the afternoon with 39 percent versus GMA’s 37 percent.

ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida programs continued to draw a large viewership across the country. FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano topped the list of most watched programs, followed by Make It With You and A Soldier’s Heart and the recently concluded Starla and The Killer Bride.

Other Kapamilya shows that ranked in the top 10 were TV Patrol, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Your Moment, Maalaala Mo Kaya, I Can See Your Voice, Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo?, The Haunted, Gandang Gabi Vice, Umagang Kay Ganda, Magandang Buhay, It’s Showtime, Ipaglaban Mo, Kadenang Ginto, Sandugo, SOCO, Kuha Mo and Pamilya Ko.

On the other hand, GMA begins on a high note as latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement show that for January 2020, it got an average total day people audience share of 34.7 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), outscoring ABS-CBN’s 31.7 percent.

GMA’s said its NUTAM victory was a result of its impressive performance across all day parts. Providing a head start in the morning block, GMA recorded 28.8 percent people audience share versus competition’s 27.4 percent.

Its afternoon block brought in the biggest lead with 37.7 percent as against ABS-CBN’s 31.4 percent. In the evening block, which includes the hotly contested primetime slot, the GMA posted 34.8 percent while its rival network got 33.6 percent.

GMA said it also ruled in all time blocks with wider margins in both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 57 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

GMA registered an average of 36.7 percent total day people audience share in Urban Luzon; beating ABS-CBN’s 29.1 percent.

With official data from January 1 to 25, GMA kept its winning streak in Mega Manila with 37.1 percent, which was way ahead of ABS-CBN’s 27 percent.

Similarly, more GMA shows made it to NUTAM’s list of top programs for January. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), which was the undisputed number one show in 2019, still remained in the top spot.

GMA also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila top programs lists where it respectively grabbed 19 and 20 spots out of the overall top 30.

Aside from KMJS, the Network’s ratings drivers for January were Magpakailanman, 24 Oras, Pepito Manaloto, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Daddy’s Gurl, The Gift, Beautiful Justice, Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday, Amazing Earth, One of the Baes, Prima Donnas, Eat Bulaga, Kapuso Movie Night, The Boobay and Tekla Show, 24 Oras Weekend, Unang Hirit, Mars Pa More, Magkaagaw, Wowowin, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Madrasta, Tadhana, Wish Ko Lang, and Imbestigador.

https://business.mb.com.ph/2020/02/04/abs-cbn-retains-lead-but-gma-7-recaptures-nationwide-urban-ratings/

ABS-CBN will continue operating with or without franchise renewal

• Butch Franciso says that ABS-CBN will not stop operating
• ABS-CBN has new projects lined up for employees

Butch Francisco, the founder of Francisco Study Center and founding chairman of Francisco Center for Social Change FCSC Foundation, wrote an article saying that ABS-CBN’s legacy and activities will go on, with or without the franchise renewal.

Butch said that there is no question that ABS-CBN is worried about its franchise renewal, but the company is focusing more on other aspects and on work.

“Sure, they talk about the pos­si­bil­ity of the net­work los­ing its fran­chise from time to time. How­ever, that issue doesn’t nec­es­sar­ily con­sume them 24 hours a day. What they dis­cuss mostly among them­selves is still work-re­lated.”

Employees are also looking forward to being involved in other projects and are more focused on getting roles, especially those who are seen on television.

ABS-CBN also has a new studio located in San Jose Del Monte which is nearly 8 hectares in size. The technical team of the company is currently working on this.

The reality talent competition Your Moment also had their episodes shot there. The next project of Star Cinema will also be using the studio to film. The new studio is comparable to those that one can find in Hollywood. Foreign film companies have also shown interest in using and renting the studio but President Carlo Katigbak said that it isn’t the right time yet, but it is very possible.

“The two stu­dios are of Hol­ly­wood stan­dards – with high ceil­ings and mea­sur­ing 1,500 square me­ters each. So far, there are al­ready in­quiries from Amer­i­can film com­pa­nies that reg­u­larly shoot here in the Philip­pines about the pos­si­bil­ity of rent­ing the new ABS-CBN stu­dio fa­cil­i­ties. ABS-CBN pres­i­dent Carlo Katig­bak, how­ever, isn’t open to the idea. At least, not yet.'”

The company is also working on building 10 new sound stages, and the technical team is also being trained to handle the many kinds of facilities. One problem that employees might face is the time of travel to get to the new studio.

“There are also those who dread the com­mute to the new stu­dios, which may take an hour to reach from Que­zon City – on a day with­out traf­fic, that is.”

It can be very tedious to get to the studio, especially for those who do not have their own vehicles. But there are plans to make traveling more convenient for these people.

“Those who do not have ve­hi­cles, but are re­quired to do chores there are forced to take the shut­tle from SM San Jose. But there are on­go­ing talks with the Ay­alas for them to de­vote an MRT sta­tion there for the con­ve­nience of the ABS-CBN em­ploy­ees.”

Even if the franchise isn’t renewed, ABS-CBN is still optimistic because people can still watch their favorite shows on cable and social media, but this doesn’t mean that the company isn’t worried.

“In case, the ABS-CBN fran­chise doesn’t get re­newed, all that the net­work is los­ing is just its fre­quency. Its reg­u­lar view­ers will not see It’s Show­time and FPJ’s Ang Probin­syano any­more on Chan­nel 2. Like­wise with the lis­ten­ers of the radio sta­tions DZMM and MOR. But they can still watch their fa­vorite Ka­pam­ilya shows in other ABS-CBN plat­forms – like cable, I Want and The Fil­ipino Chan­nel abroad. And lest we for­get – there’s al­ways Face­book.”

Another reason for this optimistic mindset is that analytics show that only 60% of the population watch TV, since people would rather go online and stream. This number is also expected to go down in the near future so TV would most likely be obsolete. The company was already preparing for when television starts dying, but the threat of their contract not getting renewed is at a bad timing since other ways of viewing their shows are not that popular yet.

“Even be­fore the threat of fran­chise can­cel­la­tion came around, ABS-CBN was al­ready prepar­ing to get into other plat­forms since its ex­ec­u­tives had long been aware of the pos­si­bil­ity of reg­u­lar tele­vi­sion going ex­tinct. It’s just un­for­tu­nate that the threat of fran­chise can­cel­la­tion came at a time when the other plat­forms aren’t ex­actly prof­itable yet.”

Butch said that employees losing their jobs will be inevitable, but the company will need people to handle the other platforms. These people will expect to have lower salaries but will see adjustment when things will go the right way.

The Lopez family isn’t that worried about this problem since they have other businesses that generate a lot of income.

When Martial Law was introduced back in 1972, ABS-CBN also went away, but came right back after 14 years and remained a powerhouse in the broadcasting aspect of things.

During the 1960s, the Lopez family built the ABS-CBN com­pound in Que­zon City.

The facilities and studio were up to standards, plus ABS-CBN became the first network to air in full color.

The company opened a second station called Channel 4 to monopolize the broadcasting business in the country.

“Every day at 6 p.m. for ex­am­ple, ABS-CBN Chan­nel 2 aired the va­ri­ety show On With the Show with Mitch Valdes, Maritess Re­villa, and Manolo Favis. In the very same time slot, ABS-CBN Chan­nel 4 also aired a pro­gram with a sim­i­lar for­mat–The Wow Gen­er­a­tion with Baby O’Brien.”

The company then saw success and had more viewers compared to the other channels. But all of this went down the drain because of then-President Ferdinand Marcos.

“That also proved to be cost-ef­fi­cient: The on-cam tal­ents shared one dress­ing room and had the same team of makeup artists. After they were all dolled-up, they went to their re­spec­tive stu­dios that were just across each to make more money for ABS-CBN. But all that ended when Mar­cos shut down ABS-CBN.”

The Lopez family have always been risk-takers. One good example of this was when they bought the coverage rights to the Barcelona Olympics back in 1992 then did the same two years later with the Miss Universe. They lost a lot of money but did not care because it helped the company’s reputation.

“Even dur­ing the post-EDSA I ABS-CBN, the Lopezes con­tin­ued tak­ing risks. Putting up TFC was a gam­ble for one. But that later paid off hand­somely. In 1992, it bought the ex­clu­sive cov­er­age rights to the Barcelona Olympics. Two years later, the net­work han­dled the Miss Uni­verse show in Manila. Those were costly pro­jects. ABS-CBN, how­ever, wanted the pres­tige. That sure added lus­ter to the com­pany’s image.”

ABS-CBN also took over the coverage of Binibining Pilipinas from GMA and saw success, instead of losing money.

“GMA op­er­ates dif­fer­ently. From 1998 till 2010, for in­stance, it aired the Binib­in­ing Pilip­inas pageant. If you go by the math, any net­work air­ing a spe­cial event is bound to lose money be­cause its pro­grams are pre­empted and reg­u­lar ad­ver­tis­ing in­come is lost. The net­work, how­ever, doesn’t go to the poor­house be­cause of that. At most, only a night’s in­come is sac­ri­ficed. When GMA gave up Binib­in­ing Pilip­inas in spite of Venus Raj’s fourth-place win at Miss Uni­verse, ABS-CBN gladly took the pageant in and got lucky: All the Philip­pine bets after Venus did im­pres­sively at the in­ter­na­tional beauty con­gress and be­came news-mak­ers.”

ABS-CBN was then able to capitalize on the success of those beauty pageants, and GMA wasn’t able to do anything because these women were exclusive to the former.

“GMA was un­able to get hold of any of those girls be­cause they were only ex­clu­sive to ABS-CBN. Jes­sica Soho ac­tu­ally had to fly to New York to cor­ner Pia Wurtzbach. ABS-CBN, on the other hand, was able to bleed each one of those beauty queens for all they were worth. Oh, how those girls brought in the rat­ings be­cause – as they say – every­body loves a win­ner.”

Butch then says that there is no need to lose sleep over this, the Lopez family knows how to execute the right moves, and have proven so ever since the company was established.

“Per­haps that was one of the rea­sons why GMA slid down to No. 2 some­time in 2014 after lord­ing it over in Philip­pine tele­vi­sion be­gin­ning in late 2003. And so – for those wor­ried about ABS-CBN los­ing its fran­chise, there’s no need to panic. Trust ABS-CBN to know how to play its cards right.”

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/abs-cbn-will-continue-operating-with-or-without-franchise-renewal/ar-BBZDQdA

GMA, ABS-CBN claim lead in January 2020 ratings game

RIVALS GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corp. claimed separately on Tuesday that they dominated the nationwide ratings game in the first month 2020.

In a statement, the Gozon-led broadcaster, citing data from Nielsen, said it “reclaimed” the top spot in the nationwide ratings for January, after posting 34.7 percent in the National Urban Television Audience  Measurement (Nutam), a few points higher than the 31.7 percent of its competition.

GMA also recorded a 36.7-percent total day people share in Urban Luzon last year, outscoring the 29.1-percent share of ABS-CBN. In Mega Manila, it scored an average of 37.1 percent versus the Lopez-led network’s 27-percent share.

Urban Luzon accounts for 72 percent of all urban TV viewers in the country, while Mega Manila represents 57 percent of all urban households in the Philippines.

GMA, likewise, led the morning block at 28.8-percent share, beating ABS-CBN’s 27.4 percent. It also won in the afternoon block at 37.7 percent versus its competitor’s 31.4 percent, and the evening block, where it recorded an average audience share of 34.8 percent versus the competitor’s 33.6 percent.

Similarly, more GMA shows made it to NUTAM’s list of top programs for January. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), which was the undisputed number one show in 2019, still remained in the top spot.

GMA also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila top programs lists where it respectively grabbed 19 and 20 spots out of the overall top 30.

Aside from KMJS, the Network’s ratings drivers for January were Magpakailanman, 24 Oras, Pepito Manaloto, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Daddy’s Gurl, The Gift, Beautiful Justice, Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday, Amazing Earth, One of the Baes, Prima Donnas, Eat Bulaga, Kapuso Movie Night, The Boobay and Tekla Show, 24 Oras Weekend, Unang Hirit, Mars Pa More, Magkaagaw, Wowowin, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Madrasta, Tadhana, Wish Ko Lang, and Imbestigador.

ABS-CBN’s claim

In a separate statement, ABS-CBN said it continued to be the No. 1 network in the country with an average national audience share of 38 percent versus its rival’s 32-percent share in January, citing data from Kantar Media.

The Lopez-led entertainment and multimedia conglomerate also claimed leadership in Metro Manila and Mega Manila, where it scored an average audience share of 38 percent and 32 percent, respectively, against GMA’s 27 percent and 33-percent share.

ABS-CBN also attracted more viewers than GMA in other areas. It won the ratings game in Total Luzon with an average total-day audience share of 34 percent, versus GMA’s 35 percent, in Total Visayas with 49 percent versus GMA’s 27 percent, and in Total Mindanao with 44 percent, versus GMA’s 28 percent.

ABS-CBN also claimed it fared better against GMA in all time blocks. In the morning block it scored an average share of 34 percent versus its rival’s 27 percent, while maintaining its lead in the noontime block at 37 percent versus the competition’s 33 percent, and the afternoon block at 39 percent versus its rival’s 37 percent.

It also sustained a 41-percent share in the primetime block versus the Gozon-led network’s 33-percent share.

The prime-time block is the most important part of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investment in to reach more consumers effectively.

ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida programs continued to draw a large viewership across the country. FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano topped the list of most watched programs, followed by Make It With You and A Soldier’s Heart and the recently concluded Starla and The Killer Bride.

Other Kapamilya shows that ranked in the top 10 were TV Patrol, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet, Your Moment, Maalaala Mo Kaya, I Can See Your Voice, Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo?, The Haunted, Gandang Gabi Vice, Umagang Kay Ganda, Magandang Buhay, It’s Showtime, Ipaglaban Mo, Kadenang Ginto, Sandugo, SOCO, Kuha Mo and Pamilya Ko.

GMA bases its claims to leadership from Nielsen data, which has a nationwide sample size of 3,500 urban and rural homes.

The Lopez-led network sources its data from Kantar Media, which uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/02/05/gma-abs-cbn-claim-lead-in-january-2020-ratings-game/

ABS-CBN renewal bills not on the agenda of latest franchise hearing

Hindi pa rin kasama sa agenda sa nakatakdang hearing ng House Committee on Legislative Franchises ang anumang panukalang batas na naglalayong mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa ang broadcast giant na ABS-CBN.

Ito ay ayon sa ulat ng Politiko/Abante kahapon, February 3.

Batay sa ulat, sa kopya ng agenda na kanilang nakuha ay apat na panukalang batas ukol sa pagbibigay ng prangkisa ang nakatakdang dinggin ng komite, ngunit hindi kasali rito ang sa Kapamilya network.

Kabilang sa apat na franchise renewal bills na nakasama sa agenda ay ang sa FBS Radio Network, Century Communications Marketing Center, Caceres Broadcasting Network, at Philand Communications Network Coporation.

Hindi rin malinaw kung kailan ang hearing ng komite.

Sa inilabas kasing advisory ng House of Representatives sa Facebook, hindi kasama ang Committee on Legislative Franchises sa may hearing ngayong araw, February 4.

Noong January 22, ipinangako ni House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano na tatalakayin sa unang linggo ng Pebrero ang lahat ng franchise renewal bills sa House Committtee on Legislative Franchises, na pinamumunuan ni Palawan Congressman Franz "Chikoy" Alvarez.

May halos 40-50 franchise renewal bills ang nakahain sa nasabing komite.

Banggit pa ni Speaker Cayetano noon, "I talked to Chairman Chicoy Alvarez and he’s recommending we start… there are about 40 to 50 franchise bills.

“So, first week of February daw he will start, and kung sino daw ang may kumpletong requirements, he will start the hearings.

“So, magkakaroon ng update maybe next week."

Nangako rin siyang magiging patas ang Kongreso pagdating sa franchise renewal bills ng ABS-CBN.

May lagpas sampung panukalang batas ang inihain ng mga kongresista na naglalayong mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa ang broadcast giant.

Mayroon ding isang kahalintulad na batas ang nakahain sa Senado.

Sa March 30, 2020 nakatakdang magtapos ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN.

https://www.pep.ph/news/local/149146/abs-cbn-renewal-bills-not-on-the-agenda-latest-franchise-hearing-a718-20200204

GMA Network reclaims no. 1 spot in nationwide ratings, opens 2020 with stronger viewership

GMA Network’s 70th anniversary celebration begins on a high note as it clinched the top spot in the nationwide television ratings competition anew.

Latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement show that for January 2020 (with January 26 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA reigned supreme with an average total day people audience share of 34.7% in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), outscoring ABS-CBN’s 31.7%.

The Kapuso Network’s NUTAM victory was a result of its impressive performance across all day parts. Providing a head start in the morning block, GMA recorded 28.8% people audience share versus competition’s 27.4%.

GMA’s strong afternoon block brought in the biggest lead with 37.7% as against ABS-CBN’s 31.4%.

Continuing well into the evening block, which includes the hotly contested primetime slot, the Kapuso channel posted 34.8% while the rival network only got 33.6%.

The Kapuso Network likewise ruled in all time blocks with wider margins in both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 57% of all urban viewers in the country.

GMA registered an average of 36.7% total day people audience share in Urban Luzon; beating ABS-CBN’s 29.1%.

With official data from January 1 to 25, the Kapuso Network kept its winning streak in Mega Manila with 37.1%, which was way ahead of ABS’ 27%.

Similarly, more GMA shows made it to NUTAM’s list of top programs for January. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), which was the undisputed number one show in 2019, still remained in the top spot.

GMA also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila top programs lists where it respectively grabbed 19 and 20 spots out of the overall top 30.

Aside from KMJS, the Network’s ratings drivers for January were Magpakailanman, 24 Oras, Pepito Manaloto, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Daddy’s Gurl, The Gift, Beautiful Justice, Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday, Amazing Earth, One of the Baes, Prima Donnas, Eat Bulaga, Kapuso Movie Night, The Boobay and Tekla Show, 24 Oras Weekend, Unang Hirit, Mars Pa More, Magkaagaw, Wowowin, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Madrasta, Tadhana, Wish Ko Lang, and Imbestigador.

Nielsen TV Audience Measurement's client pool covers a total of 37 clients/subscribers consisting of local TV networks, regional clients, blocktimers, advertisers, and agencies.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/724720/gma-network-reclaims-no-1-spot-in-nationwide-ratings-opens-2020-with-stronger-viewership/story/

Robi Domingo for BENCH and JINS Eyewear

the former Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus second big placer and Ateneo de Manila University graduate who wears JINS Airframe U377 (Faded Charcoal), 2008 adidas Ateneo Sesquicentennial jacket (Blue/White), GetBlued Designs “We Fight for the Blue and the White” Tee (Blue) and BENCH/ Furne One’s Far East collection men’s costume white sando and denim pant and  appeared in the said show when he ripped his sando in the Furne One's Far East segment.

A Twitter user who said "Nakakatawa yung ginawa ni Robi Domingo sa Bench Uncut."