Rhea Santos and ‘Unang Hirit’ score ratings triumph, positive feedback with Holy Land coverage

Some good news for GMA-7’s Unang Hirit as Rhea Santos’ recent reporting in the Holy Land — where she traveled to some famous holy sites — won the ratings in what is becoming a tighter morning show race.

According to the data obtained by Media Newser Philippines, the Kapuso morning show during that five-day period (March 22-28) scored an average of 1.8% versus ABS-CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda‘s 1.5% in AGB Nielsen’s People Ratings measurements.

The special coverage, dubbed as Unang Hirit sa Holy Land, also did get people talking — drawing positive feedback from viewers and our MNP readers. One of our readers commended Santos and her team’s coverage, calling it “superb” and “heartwarming.”

“It was a superb, heartwarming coverage. Kudos to Rhea and the UH team. How I wish that this will be compiled as a one or two-hour special on SNBO,” the reader wrote.

Another also wrote: “What an insightful reporting. Now I miss her Pinoy Abroad show. This special reminded me how good of a broadcaster she is.”

Senior Assistant Vice President for GMA Public Affairs Arlene Carnay took the good news to congratulate Santos and her team in a commendation letter shared by Santos on her Instagram account.

“I would like commend you for your outstanding performance as host for Unang Hirit’s first live coverage in Israel. Together with your small team, you were able to successfully produce extensive reports during that 8-day overseas assignment,” wrote Carnay, which was co-signed by GMA Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa Flores and First Vice President for GMA Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon.

“I have seen your remarkable effort in every live or taped report that you hosted. Despite the limited resources, rest, and sleep, you were still able to deliver substantial and comprehensive reports not just for Unang Hirit but also for our primetime newscast, 24 Oras,” the commendation letter read.

Read the full letter below:
I would like commend you for your outstanding performance as host for Unang Hirit’s first live coverage in Israel. Together with your small team, you were able to successfully produce extensive reports during that 8-day overseas assignment.

I have seen your remarkable effort in every live or taped report that you hosted. Despite the limited resources, rest, and sleep, you were still able to deliver substantial and comprehensive reports not just for Unang Hirit but also for our primetime newscast, 24 Oras.

Our viewers responded positively — your Holy Land reports became our ratings driver for many days. We owe this in part, to your exceptional skills as host and your sincerity in conveying your personal experiences to our audience.

Congratulations and thank you, Rhea! We appreciate your valuable contributions to Unang Hirit and the News and Public Affairs Group.

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