[MIC] Publication of a Discussion Paper of the Study Group on the Ideal Broadcasting System in the Digital Age

On March 31, 2022, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) published the discussion paper compiled by the Study Group on the Ideal Broadcasting System in the Digital Age.

The MIC launched the Study Group on November 8, 2021, to discuss the modality and system of broadcasting from a medium- to long-term perspective. Digitalization is rapidly progressing in society as a whole against the backdrop of the spread of broadband infrastructure and the diversification of terminals such as smartphones.

The main contents of the discussion paper are as follows.

[Discussion Point 1]  Broadcasting in the digital age: its significance and role

  • Broadcasting has underpinned democracy and played an important role as social capital for sharing basic social information, including disaster and local information.
  • In the digital age, broadcasting, the Internet, and other information spaces are expanding, thus   broadcasting services are expected to fulfil such a role further.
  • In light of the expansion of the information space and changes in the competitive environment, the government should flexibly consider ways to improve the efficiency of the broadcasting network infrastructure and streamline regulations in the broadcasting system.

[Discussion Point 2]  Future vision of the broadcasting network infrastructure

  • With the rapidly changing environment surrounding broadcasting, including population decline and the changing of viewing styles, it is necessary to create an environment in which broadcasters can reduce the cost burden of broadcasting network infrastructure, concentrate on content production and deliver quality broadcast content to viewers nationwide.
  • To this end, broadcasting network infrastructure, such as small-scale relay stations and master facilities for terrestrial television broadcasting, should be more efficient by introducing digital technology. In doing so, broadcasters should also take the perspective of economic rationality into account on the premise that they should ensure a certain level of quality and reliability from the standpoint of maintaining the same level of service for viewers. At the same time, consideration should be given to improving services by utilizing the characteristics of digital technology.

[Discussion Point 3] The ideal form of internet distribution of broadcast content

  • As the information space expands beyond broadcasting, it is more important than ever to utilize the Internet to enhance and spread the value of broadcast content.
  • In this context, it is important to consider the further promotion of Internet distribution based on the business decisions of individual broadcasters while being aware of a certain division of roles between broadcasting and the internet.

[Discussion Point 4] The ideal broadcasting system in the digital age

  • For broadcasting to continue to play a social role in the digital age, necessary measures should be taken in terms of broadcasting laws and regulations, taking into account Discussion points 1 to 3.
  • In doing so, it should be noted that such measures should not undermine the local culture, ties with the community, and its role as a regional media, which broadcasting has long cultivated. Furthermore, it should be designed to be developed and sustainable for a long time.

For more information, please visit the website below (Japanese only):
https://www.soumu.go.jp/menu_news/s-news/01ryutsu07_02000231.html

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