ABS-CBN continues to uphold its leadership in the national TV ratings with an overall audience share of 44% or eight percentage points higher than GMA’s 36%, based on the data from global research specialist Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) for March 2009.

Vivian Tin, head of ABS-CBN research and business analysis, said the network’s programs dominate the primetime block, clinching seven out of the top 10 slots with the inspira-tional teleserye “May Bukas Pa” (39.1%), “I Love Betty La Fea” (37.5%) and “Tayong Dalawa” (36.2%) leading the race. “TV Patrol World” (31.9%) continues to be the country’s leading TV news program, while “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (32.6%) and “Rated K” (30.6%) have been performing strongly during weekends. “Wowowee” (22.0%) is the only noontime program that made it to the Top 20.

ABS-CBN continues to register strong performances in Northern and Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Its TV ratings in Metro Manila are fast gaining ground, while its ratings in the suburbs and Central Luzon have improved due to the ongoing retroftting of the network’s tower and the introduction of UHF channels in provinces like Bulacan and Pampanga.

“We expect improvements in reception in the suburbs starting midyear,” Tin said. “In Central Luzon, we have set up UHF channels so viewers can watch our programs and this has addressed the problem.”

In terms of socioeconomic class, the TNS data shows ABS-CBN is leading in 85% of the total Philippine households or those belonging to classes AB, C and D. It is also leading in 70% of the country’s areas. (Story/photo by Kane Choa)