May 8, 2026 Consultation with the Information and Communications Council on “the Future of the Broadcasting Industry in Addressing to the Diversification of the Information Space”

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has consulted to the Information and Communications Council (chaired by ENDO Nobuhiro, Special Advisor to NEC Corporation) on “the Future Vision of the Broadcasting Industry in Addressing to the Diversification of the Information Space.”

1 Overview of the Consultation

　Broadcasting has fulfilled a social role as a foundation contributing to the development of a healthy democracy by providing basic information relevant to the social lives of the public.

　However, amid ongoing changes in the environment surrounding broadcasting such as the diversification of the information space, declining viewership of television, and regional population decline, broadcasting advertising revenue continues to decline, and challenges such as the deteriorating financial health of local broadcasters and the difficulty in maintaining broadcasting infrastructure are arising.

　On the other hand, the information space including the Internet is plagued by problems such as the proliferation of dis/misinformation, and there is a renewed expectation that broadcasting will fulfill its role as a high reliable source of information backed by reporting and editing.

　In light of the above, we hereby consult on the future vision of the broadcasting industry in order to clarify the value and role of broadcasting within the diversifying information space and to examine comprehensive measures to ensure the growth and sustainability of the broadcasting industry.

2 Requested Matters for the Reports

• (1) The Value and Role of Broadcasting in the Increasingly Diversifying Information Space
• (2) The Future Vision of Broadcasting Services and the Industry
• (3) The Future Vision of the development and maintenance of broadcasting infrastructure
• (4) The Position and Role of Public Broadcasting (NHK)
• (5) Other matters deemed necessary

3 Requested Timeline for the Reports

　We desire partial reports as needed starting around spring 2027.