PRESS CONFERENCE
Saving Japanese TV
Yuko Tanaka, Emeritus professor of Hosei University & TV Shine! Citizens Network, Co-Chair
Kihei Maekawa, Former Administrative Vice-Minister for Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology & TV Shine! Citizens Network, Co-Chair
Kazuyuki Azusawa, Lawyer, TV Shine! Citizens Network
14:00-15:00 Monday, February 5, 2024
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation
The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2012-2020) was repeatedly criticized for trying to manipulate the media to ensure more favorable coverage of his party and historical issues. Public documents released since strongly suggest that the Abe administration interfered in TV programs. Last year’s revelations that television had for decades declined to report on claims of sexual abuse by pop Svengali Johnny Kitagawa have further tarnished public confidence in the media, say today’s speakers.
Yuko Tanaka, a former president of Hosei University, and her colleagues want TV to return to its role of providing accurate information and a broad variety of opinions. “In the past few years, the government has been conspicuously refusing to answer questions and cutting off opposing opinions,” they say. “This attitude discourages mutual criticism and discussion. If television becomes a forum for discussion, where every issue is put on the table, people can form their own opinions. The basis of democracy is for people to have their own opinions. We want television to play this role.”
To this end, the citizens group TV Shine! plan to purchase shares in the five Tokyo-based nationally networked TV companies. They say if shareholders band together, they can make proposals that would reform the industry. When a shareholder proposal is made, it must be explained to shareholders and voted on. Shareholder proposals can also serve as encouragement to beleaguered producers and journalists trying to produce good programs in the spirit of journalism, and they can help monitor management. Will they succeed in this unique reform effort?
How to attend:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, the name of your media outlet, and FCCJ membership number. Due to space restrictions attendance will be limited. Doors open 15 minutes before the event. Please sign in, giving your name and contact details at the reception, and have your temperature taken before proceeding.
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Professional Activities Committee