Amid rapid changes in the way content is viewed, a bill to amend the Broadcasting Act was submitted to the Diet today, with the main pillars being to make the provision of programs over the Internet an essential part of NHK's business.
The proposed amendment states that NHK's broadcast programs are essential information for social life and must be continuously and stably provided to people who do not own a television set. The distribution of related information will be made an essential task.
Of this, program-related information, including text information for news articles, is closely related to the program and will be limited to materials necessary for editing the program.
In addition, when distributing program-related information, NHK is required to formulate and publish business regulations that specify basic policies and contents, and submit them to the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, and to periodically evaluate the status of business implementation. It is mandatory.
The Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications will also listen to opinions from academic experts, commercial broadcasters, newspaper companies, etc., and will ensure that the content of the operational regulations ▽ meets the needs of the public and viewers, ▽ ensures the safety of life and body, ▽ commercial broadcasters and newspapers, etc. NHK can be given recommendations or orders if it does not meet the three criteria of ensuring fair competition with NHK's Internet distribution services.
As for the cost burden, while those who pay the reception fee can use the service without any additional burden, those who simply own a smartphone or computer will not be subject to the burden.
Furthermore, in order to ensure a fair burden, we will target people who are in an environment where they can receive services over the Internet, and who have started receiving services by, for example, downloading an app or obtaining an ID.
The government is aiming to pass the amendment bill in the current Diet session.