TV networks ABS-CBN and GMA-7 continue to keep the viewing public updated with the latest on the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
On Thursday, March 12, viewers glued in to the respective flagship news programs of ABS-CBN and GMA-7—TV Patrol for the Kapamilya network and 24 Oras for the Kapuso network—to get updates about the state of the Philippines amid the virus outbreak.
Viewers tuned in to the speech of President Rodrigo Duterte about the government's safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.
At around 9 P.M., ABS-CBN and GMA-7 aired the live coverage of President Duterte's public pronouncement. He declared that Metro Manila would observe community quarantine starting March 14, Sunday.
ABS-CBN's Make It With You and GMA-7's Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday gave way to the special coverage of their respective networks because the speech aired during their time slots.
ABS-CBN VS. GMA-7 COVID-19 COVERAGE IN THE RATINGS GAME
How did ABS-CBN and GMA-7's COVID-19 coverage fare in the ratings game last Thursday, March 12?
According to Kantar Media, more viewers tuned in to ABS-CBN's news coverage.
ABS-CBN's flagship newscast, TV Patrol, registered a TV rating of 26.7%.
Its rival program, GMA-7's 24 Oras, got a TV rating of 21.5%.
ABS-CBN's News Patrol on President Duterte's speech about the COVID-19 outbreak got a rating of 24.1%, against GMA-7's GMA Breaking News, which received a TV rating of 14.2%.
Based on AGB Nielsen data, 24 Oras was able to beat TV Patrol in the ratings game.
24 Oras got an AGB TV rating of 12.2%, while TV Patrol registered a TV rating of 11.8%.
ABS-CBN's News Patrol won in the ratings against GMA Breaking News.
News Patrol received a TV rating of 12.5%, while GMA Breaking News got a TV rating of 10.9%.