Kapamilya programs like TV Patrol, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, and It’s Showtime would likely get a ‘boost’ in ratings from the viewer-rich Cebu and Davao regions, former ABS-CBN bailiwicks.
Yesterday, March 24, Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc’s A2Z Channel 11 initiated its digital TV broadcast in Cebu and Davao, via the 509.143 MHz frequency (Channel 20).
The launch marks the third digital expansion of the channel this year, after launching in Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro City. With this fresh development, Kapamilya programs are effectively returning to ABS-CBN’s former two biggest viewer strongholds outside Mega Manila. It can be recalled, the network used to rule win Visayas and Mindanao by a landslide in viewership, according to the consumer research firm, Kantar Media.
Currently, at least five ABS-CBN programs are already in the Top 25 most-watched programs in the country, with both the six-year-old FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, and the widely-talked-about Jodi Sta.Maria-starrer The Broken Marriage Vow making it to the Top 5.
One can only think, these numbers can only improve once viewers from the Central Visayas and Southern Mindanao regions learn the good news.
ABS-CBN made its landmark block time deal with Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc in October 2020, which saw the return of some of Kapamilya programs to free television, nearly six months since ABS-CBN went off the air. ABS-CBN, forged another block time agreement with Manny V. Pangilinan-owned TV5, in January 2021, which further expanded the reach of Kapamilya shows.
This year, A2Z began its nationwide digital roll-out and is expected to continue until the National telecommunications Commission (NTC) shuts all analog TV stations in 2023. Zoe is reportedly to make A2Z available in more key urban centers in the country, including Baguio, Bacolod, and General Santos. A2Z can also be watched in Leyte via the Tacloban-based PRTV, with which Zoe forged a regional partnership.
Last year, TV5 also initiated the digital broadcast of most of its regional TV stations. Early this year, the channel became available in Zamboanga.
These expansions can only give those ABS-CBN programs airing on both A2Z and TV5 a big favor. If FPJ]’s Ang Probinsyano, TV Patrol, and It’s Showtime are already posting impressive ratings despite the still limited coverages of TV5 and A2Z, imagine what these national digital rollouts can do? Keep tabs on the future press releases on TV ratings.
