THE PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 7, 2011: MTRCB changes ratings system, the country is removed from piracy watchlist, and as always, the top two networks collide for the number one spot.
MTRCB revises TV show ratings system
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has made further additions to the implementing guidelines of the country’s TV show classification ratings, reports the Inquirer. MTRCB Chairman Grace Poe-Llamanzares said that the revisions were made after “a series of public consultations and information campaigns with the different stakeholders in the TV industry.” The changes are expected to take effect this month.
A new classification – “SPG” (Strong Parental Guidance) – was added to the classification ratings, indicating that the show may have love scenes or dialogue with sexual content. TV networks are required to run a 10-second full-screen written and verbal advisory of the program’s classification. A pictogram advisory should also be superimposed on screen throughout the airing of the show. The revised “G” and “PG” ratings have begun airing last October 6, while the “SPG” rating is deferred until further notice from the board.
The Philippines no longer on piracy watch list
Last April, a report from the Special 301 Report of the Office of the United States Trade Representative listed the Philippines under a watch list for media piracy, including TV shows, movies, music, and software. Six months later, Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman and actor Ronnie Rickets shared that the country is off the list, partly due to the intensified efforts of the OMB. According to the Manila Bulletin, this included partnerships with local government units in raiding and clearing piracy hotspots, such as the Quiapo locale in Manila, and several other provinces including Davao, Iloilo, Cebu, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna, and Batangas.
TV rivals both number one?
Continuing their battle for dominance on the airwaves, ABS-CBN and GMA 7 submitted ratings data for the month of September from different media research outfits, which both showed that the rival networks are ahead in the ratings race.
ABS-CBN’s data came from Kantar Media, which revealed that the Lopez-owned network has a nationwide audience share of 42 percent, 12 points ahead of its rival. Meanwhile, data from Nielsen Media Research showed that GMA 7 is ahead in the network battle, achieving a 34.1 percent audience share over ABS-CBN’s 30 percent. TV5 is a distant third with 17.5 percent.
Source: Inquirer
