ABS-CBN Free TV Platforms Gain Ground in Early January Ratings

 

ABS-CBN has reaffirmed the strength of its audience following, with its free TV platforms posting notable gains in ratings and audience share during the first weeks of January, based on data from the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM).

According to the latest figures, A2Z—ABS-CBN’s free TV channel operating via a blocktime agreement with ZOE Broadcasting Network—has climbed to second place in the weekday ratings race. Launched in October 2020, A2Z began operations months after ABS-CBN was denied a new broadcast franchise during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Since then, A2Z has overtaken GTV, the sister channel of GMA Network, as well as TV5, both of which previously vied closely for the second spot.

ALLTV Also Records Strong Upswing

Significant improvements were likewise recorded by ALLTV, the free TV channel of Advanced Media Broadcasting System (AMBS) owned by businessman and former lawmaker Manny Villar. ALLTV has risen to fifth place and is now closely challenging GTV and TV5 for third position.

The increase in ALLTV’s viewership followed its licensing agreement with ABS-CBN, which enabled Kapamilya Channel programs to air on its free TV platform—an arrangement widely seen as a key driver of its recent ratings momentum.

Kapamilya Channel Competitive with Free TV

Meanwhile, Kapamilya Channel, ABS-CBN’s 24/7 cable network, has also posted solid growth in ratings and audience share. Recent figures indicate that it is now competitive with several free-to-air channels, underscoring the continued draw of Kapamilya content across platforms.

ABS-CBN intensified its focus on A2Z, ALLTV, and Kapamilya Channel following TV5’s decision to end its content supply agreement with the network earlier this year—a move that subsequently led to an expanded partnership with ALLTV.

Despite these shifts, select ABS-CBN programs—including It’s Showtime and Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab 2.0—continue to air on GMA Network, reflecting the evolving, platform-agnostic landscape of Philippine television.

Overall, the early January data suggest that ABS-CBN’s multi-platform strategy—spanning free TV, cable, and strategic partnerships—continues to resonate strongly with Filipino viewers.