2013 Midterm Elections Coverage Review Pt. 1

By Media Newser Philippines and Wednesday Everyday

The two-day election coverage of the networks began on Monday morning with different approaches but with the same goal: to be the most buzzed-about coverage of the season. Consider this the Superbowl or the UAAP of news. If the election itself was deemed "hotly-contested," the two-day coverage was just another heated race — a race for more viewers and name recall which later on generates more ad revenue.

Election is one of those monumental events in the industry that will make or break a news organization. Make, well, because if a network produce a solid and intelligent coverage then chances are, they will earn the viewers' trust. Break, because if they make a major gaffe during the coverage then it will be documented. And in this day and age of "liking" and "sharing," it can go viral.

For the past elections, viewers were given with only two options: ABS-CBN and GMA-7. It wasn't until the last election where TV5 was able to successfully penetrate the race. Joining the crowded race this year is the new kid on the block Solar News. Having been able to cover the history-making impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, the Sunny Network took the challenge and covered this year's biggest TV event as extensive as the Big 3 (more on this below).

ABS-CBN’s 'Halalan 2013' is the most watched, most tweeted election coverage

Most Filipinos nationwide got their latest election news from ABS-CBN on Monday (May 13) and went online to send their thoughts via Twitter that made ABS-CBN’s “Halalan 2013” coverage a trending topic on the social networking site.

Based on Kantar Media data covering national urban and rural homes, ABS-CBN’s “Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo: Tayo Na Halalan 2013” coverage drew a cumulative average of national TV rating of 13.7% from 6 am to 12 midnight vs. GMA’s Eleksyon 2013’s 10%.

ABS-CBN’s flagship newscast “TV Patrol,” anchored by Noli De Castro, Korina Sanchez, and Ted Failon, hit a 27% national TV rating or nine points higher than rival program “24 Oras” that only recorded 18.4%.

Full press release after the jump...

GMA's 'Eleksyon 2013' Coverage: First in Content and First in Ratings

GMA News and Public Affairs' Eleksyon 2013 was the preferred election day coverage of Filipinos nationwide, based on overnight data from ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

On May 13, Election Day, GMA’s Eleksyon 2013 special coverage from between 6 am and midnight scored an average household rating of 11.6 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM). ABS-CBN’s election coverage (Bayan Mo I-Patrol Mo Halalan 2013, TV Patrol 25 and Bandila) managed only 10.6 percent, while TV5’s coverage (Pagbabago 2013 and Aksyon) posted 2.8 percent.

Meanwhile, in Urban Luzon, which accounts for 76 percent of the total urban TV household population of the Philippines, GMA’s election coverage scored 13.5 percent, up by 3.7 points from ABS-CBN’s 9.8 percent, and up by 10.7 points from TV5’s 2.8 percent.

Full press release after the jump...

2013 Midterm Elections Ratings: Kantar TV Ratings

GMA-7's Eleksyon 2013 The GMA News & Public Affairs Special Coverage was the top-rated network election coverage during the election day of May 13 based on the data released by Kantar. The Kapuso Network's coverage averaged 7.5%.

ABS-CBN's Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo Halalan 2013 Tayo Na, meanwhile, was second with 6.1%. It should be noted that while it was second in the ratings, Halalan topped GMA-7's coverage during the daytime hours.

TV5's Pagbabago 2013 finished third averaging 4.3%.

In addition to the mainstream networks, Solar News Channel and ANC also covered the election.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano Praises the Networks' Coverage of the Midterm Elections

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano appeared in this evening's 24 Oras and discussed a number of issues which include his strong showing in the partial/official count of the COMELEC.

"Salamat sa Panginoong Diyos at salamat sa ating mga kababayan lalo na yung mga nagsacrifice at naniwala sa akin," said Cayetano. He also congratulated his team member Grace Poe for topping the Senatorial list saying: "There could not be a more deserving person than Grace Poe na maging number one."

Cayetano was also asked about his reported rift with Senator Loren Legarda. You may remember that earlier this month, Legarda complained to the media that a fellow party member had employed a publicist to conduct a smear campaign against her.

Poll: Which Network Will You Watch for the 2013 Midterm Elections Coverage?

It's ELECTION DAY tomorrow and we all know what that means for the networks — it's another race to become the most-watched and most talked-about election coverage.

It's also an event where the networks launch some flashy new sets, graphics and those high-tech innovations. Who could forget that Hologram last 2010? This year will be the first election where four (not three) networks will battle for that big slice of viewership. Will it be ABS-CBN, TV5, GMA-7 or Solar News?

While you're still contemplating on who to vote for tomorrow, we're asking you: Which network will you watch for the 2013 election coverage?

Jessica Soho renews contract with GMA-7

Just in time for the big election coverage, Jessica Soho signed a renewal of her contract with GMA-7.

The renewal, of course is for formalities, as Soho is among the "pillars" of GMA News. This year is special to Soho as she is celebrating her 28th year in the broadcast industry with a George Foster Peabody Award, a TOYM and countless awards under her belt.

“Talaga namang to the very core of my being, Kapuso ako, dito na ako nagkapangalan. Dito na ako nakilala at malaki ang utang na loob ko sa Network na ito. Kaya ako ang dapat magpasalamat sa renewal na ito ng aking kontrata.” said Soho.

2013 Midterm Elections: Solar News' Coverage Plans

First on Media Newser Philippines: Solar News have stated their coverage plans for the 2013 midterm elections.

Coverage kicks off at 5 am of May 13 to 10 am of May 14 on the Solar News Channel. Members of the Solar News Channel will be deployed at key location points including PICC, PPCRV, Tondo, Cavite, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cebu, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Camarines Sur and cities and town in the NCR.

Pia Hontiveros, Amelyn Veloso and Jing Magsaysay will be leading the coverage alongside Ana de Villa Singson from the PPRCV's Pope Pius Command Center. Studio guests include Sr. Supt. Noel Baraceros of the PNP and Malou Tiquia of Publicis Asia.

Kampanyaserye Docu ‘Ang Tipo Kong Kandidato’ to air tomorrow night on ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs helps the 51 million registered voters make informed decisions amidst the clutter of political ads via a special two-hour KampanyaSerye documentary special “Ang Tipo Kong Kandidato” airing this Sunday (May 12) on ABS-CBN.

Anchored by veteran broadcaster Cheche Lazaro, “Ang Tipo Kong Kandidato” tackles the political sales blitz launched by national as well as local candidates long before the campaign period and gives viewers an inside track on how professionals package politicians and create images that appeal to them.

Full press release after the jump...

2013 Midterm Elections: News5's Coverage Plans

True to its commitment of delivering “Higit sa balita, AKSYON!,” TV5 provides the most comprehensive coverage of this year’s Elections with NEWS5’s Pagbabago 2013. Come May 13, the Kapatid Network’s efforts to bring the latest news, commentary and social insights on the polls will encompass different forms of media (television, radio, Internet, mobile and on-ground). With NEWS5 integrated multimedia initiatives, Filipino viewers can rest assured that TV5 has all aspects of the midterm elections covered.

“Elections determine what kind of governance will rule our country for years to come and with Pagbabago 2013, Filipinos should stand and be counted. We encourage Filipinos to participate and be more vigilant in the coming Elections,” said NEWS5 chief Luchi Cruz Valdes. “What TV5 is doing with Pagbabago 2013 is testament to the Kapatid Network’s commitment to realizing full media convergence as a public service. Whatever screen or media device Filipinos choose to use come Monday, they can rest assured that the Kapatid Network will protect their aspirations as the country heads to the polls,” she added.

Full press release after the jump...