May 8, 2020 Approval regarding changes in the Exemption Standards of Reception Fees and the Broadcasting Reception Rules of Japan Broadcasting Corporation

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has submitted an inquiry today to the Radio Regulatory Council (Chaired by Susumu Yoshida, Professor Emeritus at Kyoto University) concerning authorization for a change in the Exemption Standards of Reception Fees (hereafter referred to as “the Exemption Standards) of Japan Broadcasting Corporation, also known as NHK (headed by President Terunobu Maeda), based on the provision of Article 64, Paragraph 2 of the Broadcast Act (Act No. 132 of 1950), along with a change in the NHK’s Broadcasting Reception Rules (hereafter referred to as “the Reception Rules”) based on Article 64, Paragraph 3 of the same act. MIC received a report from the Council by return stating the appropriateness of the change as inquired.
In response to this report, MIC’s will promptly make approval for this matter.

1. Summary of changes

The changes specified below in the Exemption Standards and Reception Rules aim to reduce the burden on subscribers who are in a situation where payment for reception fees has become difficult due to the spread of novel coronavirus disease.
(Exemption Standards)
New provisions shall be established to exempt reception fees for those approved in advance by the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications. The provision shall specify the scope of applicable receivers’ contracts, the exemption period, and related conditions in cases where the spread of novel coronavirus infection has a great impact on or may threaten the lives of people and the national economy.
(Reception Rules)
New provisions shall be established, including exemption from payment for default interests from April 2020 through March 2021.

2. Implementation period

NHK will apply the changes from the date of approval.