NHK to Cut Channels, Subscription Fee

The Japanese government’s “committee for regulation reform and private opening” proposed that two channels of The Japanese Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) be reorganized as service based on period run by television subscription fee and another service.

The Japanese media reported yesterday that the committee suggested that the “another service” be encrypted (system allowing viewers to watch charged channels by installing a special device on a television set). In addition, the committee pointed out that NHK should reduce its eight channels including broadcasting, radio and satellite, and sharply lower its subscription fee.

The committee further stated that NHK should start global broadcasting early on and provide broadcast content on the Internet.

The committee plans to include its suggestions in the government’s “basic guidelines of economical financial operations” to be released in June.

Young-A Soh sya@donga.com