November 10, 2006

Comment from MIC Minister on "Order to Conduct International Broadcasting in FY2006" for NHK

On November 10, 2006, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications delivered to the President of Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) the "Order to Conduct International Broadcasting in FY2006," in line with the report of November 8, 2006 from the Radio Regulatory Council, stating that it is appropriate to change as inquired. The changes are to pay heed to the issue of Japanese nationals who had been abducted by North Korea in relation to broadcasting matters.
At the same time, the Minister issued a comment that i1) the Minister believes that it is extremely important to send messages to Japanese nationals who had been abducted by North Korea through the use of all means available, ii2) the Minister recognizes that both the freedom of expression and the freedom of press are of vital importance, and iii3) thus, the Minister has no intention of intervening in the process of editing or of programming at NHK.
The comment of the Minister is available (Japanese-language version) at the following website:
http://www.soumu.go.jp/s-news/2006/pdf/061110_5_1.pdf

[Reference]
Broadcast Law (Law No. 132 of May 2, 1950) <Excerpts>

(Order for Conduct of International Broadcasting, etc.)
Article 33.
(1) The Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications may order NHK to conduct international broadcasting by designating Broadcast Service Area, broadcasting matters and other relevant matters, or may order NHK to carry out international broadcast programming operations by designating NHK's Service Area in which the broadcaster will operate, to be broadcast and other relevant matters.
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For further information about this press release, please fill in the inquiry form and submit it to MIC on the website
http://www.soumu.go.jp/joho_tsusin/eng/contact.html
International Policy Division,
International Affairs Department
Telecommunications Bureau, MIC
TEL: +81-3-5253-5920 / FAX: +81-3-5253-5924