ABS-CBN, GMA claim ratings lead in July

The rivalry between broadcast giants ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Corp. raged on last month, with both claiming to lead in their television ratings war. Citing data from separate ratings service providers last Friday, ABS-CBN claimed leadership in nationwide television ratings, while GMA asserted that it secured the spot in urban areas. The Lopez-led network said a report from Kantar Media showed that it defeated its rival by 13 points in the nationwide TV ratings, hitting 45 percent against GMA’s 32 percent. For its part, GMA said data from Nielsen TV showed that it maintained its lead last month after generating an average total day people audience share of 34 percent in Urban Luzon, slightly higher than ABS-CBN’s 31.4 percent. ABS-CBN shares added 36 centavos or 1.97 percent to finish at P18.60 each, while GMA shares lost 1 centavo or 0.19 percent to end at P5.38 apiece last Friday.