January 28, 2021 Request for Dissemination of Measures taken by NHK due to the Spread of Influence of COVID-19

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has requested Japan Broadcasting Corporation (hereafter referred to as NHK) to inform broadcasting receivers of the measures taken by NHK in response to the influence of the spread of COVID-19.

On March 18, 2021, MIC requested NHK to respond appropriately, such as a careful explanation for the handling of broadcasting reception fees overdue if inquired by broadcasting receivers. On March 30, MIC further requested NHK to consider reducing the burden of broadcasting reception fees for small and medium-sized businesses, such as inns and hotels.
A state of emergency was declared on January 7, 2021, under Article 32, Paragraph 1 of the Act on Special Measures for Pandemic Influenza and New Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response (Act No. 31 of 2012). On January 13, the target areas were added according to the declaration. NHK’s current measures in response to the above request are due to expire at the end of March 3, 2021. Accordingly, MIC again requested NHK to make efforts to disseminate the content of the measures to broadcasting receivers.