Network wars heat up over alleged ratings manipulation
- ABS-CBN, GMA-7 -
After filing a case against AGB-Nielsen Philippines over the alleged manipulation of television surveys, ABS-CBN now seems to train its eyes on its rival GMA-7 as behind the supposed rigging.
Despite a statement from ABS-CBN officials that the case was only directed at AGB-Nielsen, it was an ABS-CBN radio reporter who tagged GMA-7, citing a statement from Maya Reforma, AGB Nielsen Philippines general manager in an exclusive interview, wherein she was quoted as saying that GMA-7 was behind activities that could have exposed panel homes to influence. GMA-7 issued a statement saying the ABS-CBN dzMM radio report was “erroneous” and added Reforma, who it said issued a court affidavit belying the claim, had not directly named GMA-7 as behind the alleged manipulation of the TV ratings. ABS-CBN stood by its reporter’s story. GMA-7, meanwhile, will file a libel suit against ABS-CBN over the report.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court has released a temporary restraining order to prevent AGB-Nielsen from releasing or reporting television ratings from Bacolod City, the area where the alleged manipulation took place as revealed by an ABS-CBN informant.
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