September 19, 2025 Publication of the "Guidelines on Implementing Viewing Continuity Measures in Response to the Abolition of Basic Terrestrial Broadcasting Relay Stations, and Recommended Responses to Fulfill Publication Obligations" (hereinafter the "Guidelines")

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has formulated the Guidelines and will make it publicly available.

Note: The published materials are available in Japanese only.

1. Background

　The "Act Partially Amending the Radio Act and the Broadcasting Act" (Act No. 27 of 2025; hereinafter the "Amending Act") was promulgated on Friday, April 25, 2025. The Amending Act revised the Broadcasting Act (Act No. 132 of 1950) to include regulations for protecting recipients when terrestrial basic broadcasters must abolish relay stations (hereinafter the "Recipients Protection Regulations"). The amended Broadcasting Act is stipulated to come into effect on October 1, 2025 specified by a cabinet order, which is within a period not exceeding nine months from the date of promulgation of the Amending Act.

　To develop the provisions necessary for enforcing the Amending Act, the MIC prepared a draft amendment to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Broadcasting Act (Radio Regulatory Commission Rules No. 10 of 1950) concerning the Recipients Protection Regulations, along with a draft of the Guidelines, and solicited opinions on them from Saturday, June 28, 2025, to Monday, July 28, 2025. The MIC then consulted the Radio Regulatory Council, chaired by Iwao SASASE, professor emeritus at Keio University, on the draft amendment and received a report from the Council confirming that the amendment is appropriate. Today, the MIC promulgated the relevant ministerial ordinance.

　Following the promulgation, the MIC formulated the Guidelines and will make it publicly available.

2. Published information

　The Guidelines

3. Future schedule

　The effective date of the Broadcasting Act and the Regulations for Enforcement of the Broadcasting Act, as amended in accordance with the Amending Act set forth in the Guidelines, will be Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

4. How to obtain materials

　The published materials will be available in the "Press Materials" section on the MIC website (https://www.soumu.go.jp/).