June 3, 2020 Appeal for Opinions on Draft Partial Revision of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Broadcast Act

  The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has drafted a partial revision to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Broadcast Act to simplify and streamline the reporting procedure for broadcasting equipment. Accordingly, MIC will make an appeal for opinions from Thursday, June 4 through Monday, July 6, 2020.

1. Background and outline of revisions

From the perspective of ensuring the safety and reliability of broadcasting, the Regulations for Enforcement of the Broadcast Act requires broadcasting businesses, including approved basic broadcasters and registered general broadcasters, to regularly report the occurrence status of broadcast suspension accidents resulting from broadcasting equipment. MIC analyzes and publishes the causes and trends of accidents based on these reports.
With consideration of the actual operation related to the reporting procedure so far, MIC drafted a ministerial ordinance recently to partially revise the Regulations for Enforcement of the Broadcast Act to reduce the burden on each broadcaster and streamline the procedure. Accordingly, MIC has decided to make an appeal for opinions.

〈Outline of revision〉

• 1.
  Reducing the reporting frequency from approved basic broadcasters, specific terrestrial basic broadcasters, and suppliers for basic broadcasting stations to one year from every six months.
• 2.
  Making it possible to submit a status report on each piece of equipment by email.

2. Procedure of appeal for opinions

1. Subject

Draft ministerial ordinance for the partial revision of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Broadcast Act

2. Submission period

No later than Monday, July 6, 2020 (Opinions submitted by mail will be accepted if postmarked the same day.)

3. Future plans

With consideration of the results of the appeal for opinions, MIC will proceed promptly with the necessary procedures for the revision of the ministerial ordinance.