During the recent historic elections, at a critical time in Philippine history, more viewers clearly preferred ELEKSYON 2010, GMA-7’s election coverage.

ELEKSYON 2010 posted a 12.3 TV ratings average from May 10 to 11 based on Mega Manila Household ratings from AGB Nielsen, compared to ABS CBN’s 10. The May 10 average of ELEKSYON 2010 is also higher at 12.5, compared to ABS’ 11.2. The next day, GMA’s election coverage pulled ahead with a commanding 3.5 lead.

GMA’s primetime newscast on May 10, 24 Oras ELEKSYON 2010, posted an imposing rating percentage of 33.7 as against TV Patrol World’s 22, resulting to a staggering 11.7 margin. The lead based on the corresponding audience share is even more imposing – a whopping 16.8 %! – with GMA posting a commanding 51.3 % against the other station’s 34.5 %.

What kept more viewers tuned in to ELEKSYON 2010 is its unbiased and comprehensive coverage from all over the country and the most reliable and up to the minute tally. ELEKSYON 2010’s partial and unofficial count was consistently ahead of the competitor and was always first in bringing to the public the latest tally of election results from all over the country.

As Filipinos awaited the results of the country’s very first automated elections, they knew they could count on GMA Network’s historic coverage to deliver lightning-quick and comprehensive updates from the GMA News and Public Affairs team and election partners that include the biggest and most respected entities in tri-media, telecommunications, information technology, education, business, research and public service.

GMA’s election coverage had more remote points across the country, and aired nonstop updates on the historic elections from 5am of May 10 until 12 noon of May 11.

ELEKSYON 2010 also used the latest available technology such as the touchscreen, virtual screen, immersive 3D graphics and the hologram effect – a first in Philippine television. The public was also able to participate in the coverage by sending photos and videos to Youscoop, and calling the Eleksyon 2010 Action Center to report Election Day incidents and seek assistance from election lawyers.

GMA’s voter education project “Bilog na Hugis Itlog” was widely recognized to have created the biggest impact. Not a few voters sang the jingle on the way to the precincts to help them remember how to cast their vote.

Reliability, unbiased reporting, comprehensive coverage were needed during the recent historic elections. GMA News and Public Affairs stepped up to the challenge by upholding the highest standards of journalism and remaining faithful to Serbisyong Totoo.