NHK CORPORATE PROFILE

Transcription

1 NHK CORPORATE PROFILE NIPPON HOSO KYOKAI Public Relations Department Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo , Japan TEL

2 Message from the President I have now become the 22nd President of NHK. I will work with all of my spirit and might to build on my recent experiences of roughly three and a half years on NHK s Board of Governors and Audit Committee so that NHK can fulfill its roles and missions as a public broadcaster. With the great volume and diversity of information now communicated by the internet, the dissemination of unreliable information has become a great social issue. In this kind of era, especially, the role of the public broadcaster in conveying accurate and dependable information is becoming more important than ever. The Broadcast Law stipulates that NHK has to be autono- mous, independent, fair, unbiased, impartial, and politically neutral, protect the lives and livelihoods of the people, and contribute to public welfare and the healthy development of democracy. NHK will continue to perform these roles fully as a key part of the social infrastructure by bringing viewers, listeners and all people in Japan information which they can trust. The test broadcasts of 4K and 8K Super Hi-Vision have already begun and preparations are advancing steadily towards the projected start of satellite broadcasts as planned in the next fiscal year. The verification experiments are also building up for the realization of simultaneous television and online broadcasting. Our aim is to provide the very highest level of broadcasts and services by 2020, the year of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. of Japan. I ask for everyone s understanding and support for the operations of NHK. The number of foreign visitors coming to Japan annually has now passed 24 million and the level of global interest in Japan will continue to grow towards NHK is also striving to reinforce its international broadcasts in order to inform the world more about Japan. To change what should be changed and keep what should not. I shall do my utmost to exercise that judgment and courage and lead through consensus, sharing information and awareness with both executives and staff members in order to satisfy the expectations of viewers, listeners and all of the people Ryoichi UEDA NHK President July 2017 Contents 1 Message from the President 5 Programs 7 Channels 9 News Reporting 11 Global Network 13 4K & 8K Super Hi-Vision 15 Broadcasting Technology 17 Digital Services 19 NHK WORLD 21 Global Partners 24 Research and Archives 25 Serving Our Audience 27 Public Broadcaster NHK 29 Organization 30 History 1 2

3 Number of Employees approx. 10,200 Welfare of the Public NHK Accurate and Fair (Japan Broadcasting Corp oration) Japan s Only Public Broadcaster 30 overseas offices Unbiased and Impartial 54 domestic stations 3 4

4 Programs News AwardWinning Programs Current Affairs Entertainment NHK participates in competitions and TV festivals in order to enhance the quality of its programs. It shares Japanese content with international audiences to promote understanding between Japan and the rest of the world. Documentary 50 Years On: The Poison of Thalidomide Chicago International Television Festival Silver Hugo for Educational Program: Adult Audience News Watch 9 NHK Special Drama Sports Lunch On! Spirits of the Athletes Tadahiro Nomura: The Last Shoulder Throw ABU Prize ABU Prize for TV Sports Nature Children and Education Ronja, The Robber's Daughter Historical Drama Naotora: The Lady Warlord Spirits of the Athletes WILDLIFE Children & Education International Emmy Kids Award for KIDS: ANIMATION NHK.NEP.Dwango, licensed by Saltkråkan AB, The Astrid Lindgren Company Mimicries Science & Technology International Emmy Kids Awards International Taiwan International Children Film Festival Best Television Program Award Chicago International Children's Film Festival STEM (Science/Math) Competition Award New Media App The Professionals: My Philosophy COSMIC FRONT 5 NEXT ART TUNES! JAPAN PRIZE The Best Work in the Creative Frontier Category International News Report

5 Channels TELEVISION RADIO NHK continues to deliver a diverse range of programs over its two terrestrial and two satellite channels. DOMO, NHK mascot NHK. TYO NHK s radio services have delivered a wide range of programs, since the Tokyo Broadcasting Station first went on the air in Radiru, NHK radio s mascot NHK / NHK. SC General TV Educational TV Radio 1 Radio 2 Weekly Programming Hours Total : 168h00m Weekly Programming Hours 142h26m 168h00m 132h20m Total : Weekly Programming Hours Total : Weekly Programming Hours Total : News : 71h44m Education : 21h18m Culture : 38h18m Entertainment : 36h40m News : 4h20m Education : 110h44m Culture : 27h22m News : 85h18m Education : 5h16m Culture : 39h47m Entertainment : 37h39m News : 15h15m Education : 94h15m Culture : 22h50m The main NHK terrestrial channel delivers broad and balanced programming, including news and information essential to the lives of people in Japan, as well as cultural and entertainment programs. It is currently pioneering broadcasts and services for the new age with the development of world-class content for full-scale Super Hi-Vision and internet uses. This is the channel for children, the young and people of all ages who want to know and to learn. In addition to school and welfare broadcasts, the line-up includes foreign language courses, mind-broadening programs for the general public, hobbies and practical skills. The channel is enhancing its programs internet services with the aim of providing assistance and enriching people s lives through broadcasts. This station delivers a broad selection of programs, from news to entertainment, designed to appeal across the generations. In the event of a natural disaster, Radio 1 provides safety advice and information. Most programs are broadcast live, giving the channel the ability to deliver information promptly in the event of an emergency. Radio 2 focuses on educational programs and has earned a deserved reputation as Japan s lifelong learning channel. It devotes a great deal of time to language learning, culture, and welfare issues, as well as new programs, including business lectures. Some programs broadcast on NHK s international radio service, NHK World Radio Japan, are also available on this service. BS 1 BS Premium FM 4K&8K Super Hi-Vision (test broadcasts) 168h00m 168h00m 166h09m 49h00m Weekly Programming Hours Total : Weekly Programming Hours Total : Weekly Programming Hours Total : Weekly Programming Hours Total : News : 85h15m Education : 26h22m Culture : 35h05m Entertainment : 21h18m News : 2h47m Education : 34h31m Culture : 67h06m Entertainment : 63h36m News : 23h08m Education : 9h20m Culture : 70h09m Entertainment : 63h32m Education :8h41m News : 3h11m Culture : 22h25m Entertainment : 14h43m This channel provides fuller programming in the fields of international and economic affairs, sports and documentaries. Special emphasis is currently being placed on programs related to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the development of new content and technologies for use in sports broadcasts. This is the edutainment channel for viewers of all ages. In addition to special broadcasts on nature and the arts, the impressive, diverse, high-quality programming includes everything from music to the movies. FM is a comprehensive music service, delivering programs with high-quality sound to lovers of various genres of music, from pop to classical. In the event of a disaster, the channel will cooperate with Radio 1 to convey essential information quickly to people in the affected areas. NHK is now developing the content and confirming the technologies for the launch of satellite broadcasts of Super Hi-Vision in Test broadcasts are already being transmitted domestically in Japan from 10 am to 6 pm daily. Programs that make rich use of the ultra-high definition images and 3D sound are being prepared in genres ranging from nature to sports and the traditional performing arts. 7 8

6 News Reporting Fair, impartial and accurate news coverage High-quality programming of all kinds Disaster Reporting Six years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, NHK continues to build on the lessons of that calamity and carry out its mission to protect lives and livelihoods through coverage of natural disasters. in the areas that could be affected by a massive earthquake originating in the Nankai Trough. NHK news coverage mandates fairness, impartiality, accuracy and promptness. To deliver the news, NHK strives to make the best use of its nationwide network. Specialist staff at each station, including news reporters, camera crew, program directors and engineers, gather accurate, breaking information around the clock on a wide array of topics, ranging from major incidents to socially significant issues. That information is delivered across NHK s television and radio channels, both regionally and nationally. NHK has 54 Broadcasting Stations in 47 prefectures and major cities (including the corporation's headquarters in Tokyo) FUKUOKA HIROSHIMA MATSUYAMA OSAKA NAGOYA TOKYO SAPPORO SENDAI Footage from helicopters and remote-controlled cameras is very effective in immediately conveying the situation at the scene of a disaster. Helicopters and cameras constantly provided real-time images of the tsunamis that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake. NHK has 15 helicopters, as well as remote-controlled cameras, including simple web cameras, in about 700 locations. It is improving upon the relays taken by helicopter and installing more cameras so that the broadcasts might help reduce the damage from disasters. NHK is also ensuring that back-up is in place, should the NHK Broadcasting Center in Tokyo ever go off the air in the event the city has been directly hit by a massive earthquake, or through some other kind of calamity. Should this happen, NHK Osaka will be able to air news nationwide in place of Tokyo. Arrangements are being made to ensure that NHK Osaka can continue to provide such broadcasts for a prolonged period, and that the metropolitan area will also be to send out information. Facilities are being improved and measures are being taken for news gathering and broadcasts Technologies for More Varied Productions NHK constantly explores groundbreaking program production techniques through the application of new technologies and development of new camera and other systems for showing viewers images unlike any they have ever seen before. One example is NHK s underwater film team, which uses special waterproof cameras. No other broadcaster has such an expert team and underwater cameramen are required to undergo strict training in order to qualify. For The Great Antarctic Adventure, a program to be broadcast in the 2017 broadcasting year, it recorded the world s first 8K images of the bed of Lake Untersee in Antarctica, where landforms of the primitive Earth some 3 billion years ago are still Moreover, improvements are being made to the content of broadcasts to help save lives when disaster strikes. If a warning has been issued for a tsunami or major tsunami, announcements are made in firm tones urging people to evacuate without delay. NHK has made screen captions as concise as possible for the likes of tsunami warnings. It is striving to report on disasters in a manner that can be clearly understood when seen or heard. NHK is committed to providing precise updates about disasters and evacuations, and other useful information through television, radio, apps, and other media, such as the internet, data broadcasts, and One-seg broadcasts for mobile terminals. NHK stations are organized to provide relevant and detailed information to people in the community through various means, such as special TV and radio bulletins, news crawls, data broadcasts and webpages. Drills are conducted daily at the NHK News Center in Tokyo to facilitate a prompt response to an earthquake or tsunami. Local stations across Japan are also implementing realistic disaster drills and establishing emergency news reporting systems aimed at saving every possible life in disaster situations. Satellite news gathering vans said to survive. Danger also constantly lurks when filming in mountains and great safety skills are required there, too. For the BS1 Special, Extreme Skiing, the camera crew accompanied mountaineers to Mt. Denali in the United States to shoot with a compact 4K camera 5,000m above sea level. 9 10

7 Global Network London Moscow Brussels Berlin Europe Paris Vienna New York Vladivostok (Europe General Bureau) (America General Bureau) Beijing (China General Bureau) Seoul Cairo Jerusalem Middle East / Africa Tehran Islamabad Shanghai New Delhi Guangzhou Dubai North America Washington Los Angeles Headquarters Asia / Far East Taipei Hanoi Hong Kong Manila Bangkok (Asia General Bureau) Singapore Jakarta South America Sao Paulo Johannesburg Oceania Sydney The Latest and Most Precise Coverage Globalization is fostering a greater interest in international n ew s a m o n g N H K a u d i e n c e s. I t i s o n e o f N H K s important roles as Japan s public media organization to keep audiences promptly and clearly informed about international events from the America-first policies of President Trump and the latest developments in China, 11 Korean Peninsula to acts of terrorism committed by extremists such as the Islamic State group, anti-immigrant and anti-eu movements in Europe, the refugee crisis, epidemics, and developments in the global economy. NHK has 81 correspondents in thirty locations outside Japan to ensure around-the-clock coverage. It puts maximum emphasis on reporting directly from the scene. An emergency deployment team made up of reporting and technical staff can set off to any location at any time to provide coverage. Examples include the hostage crises in early 2015 involving two Japanese nationals held by Islamic State and in July, 2016, when seven Japanese involved in a hostage attack in Bangladesh lost their lives. NHK is committed to the further enhancement of international news coverage. 12

8 4K &8K Super Hi-Vision Test Broadcasts NHK launched test broadcasts of Super Hi-Vision on August 1, 2016 to promote their dissemination. Full-scale satellite broadcasting is due to begin in December 2018 targeted for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in The age of Super Hi-Vision has started. NHK is pressing ahead with program production for Super Hi-Vision, the 4K and 8K ultra-high definition video systems which surpass current 2K HDTV. 4K uses four, and 8K uses 16 times as many pixels as HDTV to produce ultra-high definition images. In addition to the beautiful, detailed visual Research Began 8K Yayoi Kusama- My Eternal Soul 8K Louvre: the Eternal Beauty (HDR) 4K The Moon s Spell on the Great Barrier Reef 4K T V Drama- The Sniffer, Scent inspector images they also envelop the listener with 3D sound. It is an all-encompassing experience that makes you feel as if you are really there inside the scene yourself. Public Viewings of the 2012 London Olympics Shown First Time at NHK STRL Open House Content Line-up 4K & 8K Satellite Broadcasting 4K &8K Test Satellite Broadcasting Technological Development Tokyo Olympics Ultra-High Definition 4K and 8K are super-high definition images with, respectively, 4 and 16 times more pixels than conventional 2K Hi-Vision. 8 K S u p e r H i - Vi s i o n i s t h e n e x t - g e n e r a t i o n T V broadcasting, known also as the ultimate 2D TV system, and NHK has been at the heart of its R&D from the very start. NHK has conducted the wide-ranging basic research in every area from new production and transmission equipment to the displays in order to realize 8K b r o a d c a s t i n g. Wo r k i s c u r r e n t l y a d va n c i n g o n t h e development and furnishing of more portable compact cameras and relay vans, play-out and transmission system. Studio in 8K outside broadcast production vehicle 8K camera HDTV 1,920 x 1,080 (about 2 million pixels) 4K 3,840 x 2,160 (about 8 million pixels) 8K 7,680 x 4,320 (about 33 million pixels) Play-out facilities Photo adjusted to represent the basic effect. Multi-channel sound Applications to non-broadcasting fields 5.1 channel sound for 4K and 22.2 multi-channel sound system for 8K 22.2 multi-channel sound 9 upper channels 10 middle channels 3 lower channels Low frequency effects (0.2 channels) channel sound 5 middle channels Low frequency effects (0.1 channels) There is great potential for using wide-angle, ultra-high definition 8K images in many other fields. In medicine, for example, surgical images filmed in 8K can fully convey both surgical techniques and the subtle color variations of diseased tissue to provide both visual reference materials and support in telemedicine. NHK is committed to serving all of society and making contributions in diverse fields beyond broadcasting, including education, art museums, digital cinema, crime prevention and security. Utilizing 8K images in a surgical operation 14

9 Broadcasting Technology NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories (STRL) The NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories, founded in 1930, is Japan s only research institute dedicated to the survey, research, and development of broadcasting technology from program production to transmission and reception. The many technologies developed by the laboratories have given birth to satellite broadcasting, Hi-Vision, digital television, and other broadcasting services. The laboratories have performed a pioneering role in broadcasting technology, not only in Japan but globally, contributing greatly to the development of broadcasting culture. User-friendly Technology NHK is also engaged in diverse R&D activities aimed at helping the elderly, children, people who have difficulties Automatic CG Sign Language System The STRL is conducting a research on the use of computer graphics to convert spoken Japanese into sign language in order to implement the technology for its wider use in broadcasting. A sign-language computer graphic dictionary has been available on the STRL website for sign language users to evaluate the technology. with their vision or hearing, and others to enjoy broadcasts more comfortably and in ways they prefer. Outside broadcasting, technologies developed by STRL are now being active in a wide range of fields, including medicine, science and the arts. The Open House The STRL also displays its research findings to the public. The achievements of the past year are showcased at the annual Open House. This unique event attracts tens of thousands of visitors, from experts to family groups. Apart from the displays, visitors can also experience new technologies and join guided tours led by research staff. Every effort is made to ensure that everyone enjoys their visit to the full. NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories Tactile Television Technology Research is advancing on a touch TV system for the visually impaired. The technology provides information on both two-and three-dimensional objects, ranging from graphs and maps and artworks to give an idea of their shape, hardness, and other features by means of tactile perception. Users place their hands on a display, which conveys the information with pegs and vibrations. Using the CG sign language system on a weather report Research & Development Large Sheet Displays Television sets with large sheet displays are being pursued through the development of longer lasting, energy-saving organic electroluminescence suited for large and flexible ultra-thin, lightweight screens. This research is aimed to develop sets apt for the home in the near future. Integral 3D TV Integral 3D television is a system which reproduces 3D images for simple, natural viewing without the use of special glasses. The 3D effects work vertically as well as horizontally, making the images appear solid and real. NHK is targeting full implementation in The 3D fish in the screen can be felt! High-capacity, high-speed recording devices High-capacity, high-speed recording and playback devices are essential for the recording of 8K signals. Holography allows high-capacity recording by storing digital data threedimensionally within a medium. The STRL is pursuing research on multiplexing for high-density recording, as well as compensating technology for the distortions in recording media. A large sheet display Holography memory device for archive Spearheading Standardization The format of audio and video signals needs to be standardized to enable any TV set to pick up broadcast programs. Internationally recognized standards can facilitate exchanges and co-productions of programs with broadcasters in other countries. NHK is pursuing the international standardization of technologies through participation in organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunications Sector (ITU-R). In 2016, the High Dynamic Range (HDR) image format jointly developed together with the BBC was adopted as an international standard. The use of the formats developed by NHK as a common standard not only in Japan but abroad as well will help reduce the costs of broadcasting equipment and promote broadcasting content to the broadcasters and related organizations internationally

10 Digital Services With the switchover of terrestrial and satellite broadcasts to digital, NHK is making optimal use of the most up-to-date technology to deliver new services. NHK Hybridcast Internet Services Simultaneous Internet Broadcasts in Times of Emergency Following revision of the Broadcast Law, NHK can now distribute news relating to the safety of people s lives and livelihoods, disasters, major incidents or accidents and other items of strong public interest simultaneously to broadcasts on the internet. In addition to those simultaneous broadcasts, images from weather cameras can also be distributed during typhoons, volcanic eruptions and so on to show viewers the latest situation on the ground. NHK Hybridcast grew out of data broadcasting in 2013 as a service which provides still richer data information via the internet. In 2016, itemized news video clips were added for use with an economic program broadcast on the satellite channel. An experimental 4K video service was also provided during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics using footage from the test broadcasts of 8K Super Hi-Vision programs produced on location. Hybridcast will continue to pioneer a range of new services. NHK News and Disaster Reduction App The NHK News and Disaster Reduction App is a place for checking the latest news, weather forecasts, disaster-related information and evacuation instructions. Launched in June 2016, this service is able to provide live streams of news, news flashes, images from disaster zones and more. NHK Net Radio: Radiru Radiru nhk.jp/netradio/ Radiru Radiru provides online streaming of NHK Radio 1, Radio 2, and FM. It was launched in September 2011 to address poor radio reception inside certain residential complexes and other buildings, mountainous areas, and areas where there is interference from foreign radio signals. In times of disaster, too, safety-related information is relayed both by radio and on the internet. The 2017 fiscal year will see a further expansion of on-demand programs, mainly on Radio 1 and FM. Data Broadcasting This enables digitized text and images to be sent via television signals. Viewers can press a button on their television remote control to access a data screen that shows news, weather, sports, program schedules, and other useful everyday information. Updates about earthquakes, tsunami, and volcanic eruptions are available on all NHK channels. The datacasts on NHK General TV provide news and disaster-related information and useful everyday notifications for each community. Connecting the TV set to the internet gives viewers access to other services, too, including weather radar pictures and an interactive feature which enables viewers to answer quiz questions via their TV remote control. More Safety-Related Bulletins Bulletins issued by local authorities in times of disaster, including evacuation orders and evacuation advisories, have been made available on data broadcasts and websites since January With more and more local authorities now issuing such notices, 45 NHK stations are expected to provide this service in fiscal NHK Online and NHK Corporate Information The NHK Online website, established in 1995, is the online face of NHK. It can be accessed from personal computers, smartphones and internet-connected mobile phones. This Japanese-language site provides news, weather, TV and radio program schedules, details about events, subscriber services, online applications for NHK receiving contracts, corporate information, an inquiry section, and details about other major NHK services, including the narration software site for the visually impaired. NHK Online English (NHK Corporate Information) is an English-language website providing corporate information, events, and other information. NHK on Demand (NOD) NOD provides previously broadcast NHK programs and other content through a fee-based, video-on-demand system. The catch-up service, which is only available in Japan, provides programs for about two weeks after their broadcast. An extensive library service provides access to older programs. NOD is available via PC s, smartphones, tablet devices, televisions with internet connections and cable TV. Morning Serial Drama Beppin-san 17 18

11 NHK WORLD NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN NHK broadcasts internationally via TV, radio, and the internet under the name of NHK WORLD to inform the world about the latest stories from Japan and Asia. NHK WORLD TV (English language channel) NHK World TV broadcasts news and programs in English 24 hours a day, bringing the world the latest information from across Japan and Asia. Depending on the region, viewers can watch the broadcasts via their local satellite or cable services or IPTV. About 290 million households in roughly 160 countries and regions can access the service as of March There is also live streaming on the internet for watching programs simultaneously with their broadcast and on-demand distribution both in Japan and abroad. Improvements in 2017 Taking news coverage to a higher level NHK NEWSLINE NHK World devotes itself to covering world events with accuracy and insight, giving particular attention to Japan and Asia. Engineering upgrades allow for more live broadcasts from across the region, reporting news as it happens. NHK s network of stations within Japan ensures that developments anywhere will soon be on the air. The key news bulletin on NHK WORLD TV, airing hourly. NHK World Radio Japan broadcasts in Japanese and 17 other languages. In addition to short wave, the service is also expanding on medium wave, FM, satellite radio, and the internet depending on the characteristics of each region and its media environment. Language Services English Arabic Bengali Burmese Chinese French Hindi Indonesian Korean Persian Portuguese Russian Spanish Swahili Thai Urdu Vietnamese Japanese In cases of natural disaster or other major incidents, Radio Japan delivers the latest news swiftly, pertinently and accurately. It also transmits Japan s accumulated knowhow and knowledge for use in disaster situations and introduces various practical ways for people living in other countries to protect their lives and livelihoods. In addition, Radio Japan introduces diverse topics from Japanese business, technology, traditional culture, the arts and regional attractions to promote international understanding of Japan. In the studio for the program, Friends Around the World on the Bengali service NHK WORLD ONLINE nhk.jp/nhkworld The internet service, NHK World Online, offers the broadcasts of NHK World TV and NHK World Radio Japan in real time and on demand. It is easy to access anywhere by downloading the free app to a smartphone, tablet and other nhk.jp/nhkworld devices. New services for the 2017 fiscal year include a travel portal site linked to travel programs and more convenient and efficient access to English language news reports and videos. Sharing the beauty of Japan s locales NEWSROOM TOKYO A new weekend lineup is dedicated to introducing the appeal of the country s many p l a c e s t o i n t e r n a t i o n a l v i e w e r s. N H K s local stations in Japan also introduce their communities cultures, lifestyles, nature, and much more. An in-depth news program about the latest developments in Asia and Japan. Offering a wide variety of programs, something for everyone NHK WORLD TV Apps for iphone, ipad, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV (4th generation) Whether it s the intensity of sumo wrestlers or the innovations of up-and-coming anime creators, NHK World's programs deliver a diversity of topics and perspectives. The service also opens a window to shows that are popular with the domestic audience. Information for visitors to Japan NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN Apps in 17 languages for iphone and Android #TOKYO Looking toward the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, NHK is expanding its touristoriented programming. The material includes information that should prove useful immediately upon arrival. NHK WORLD PREMIUM (The channel for Japanese viewers abroad) NHK World Premium is a 24-hour service broadcasting a wide range of news, information programs, dramas, sports, and music programs selected from NHK s four domestic Wild Hokkaido! 19 GRAND SUMO Highlights channels for Japanese people living and traveling abroad. It reaches some 20 million households in more than 100 countries and regions. Safety Information NHK keeps Japanese nationals living and traveling abroad informed of any major earthquakes, tsunami or other emergencies that have occurred in Japan or elsewhere around the globe. It strives to ensure that the information is accurate and delivered promptly. 20

12 Global Partners Connections with Broadcasting Organizations Around the World Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) International Cooperation & Training NHK provides technical cooperation by both sending out broadcasting experts and bringing over people for training in Japan. It also exchanges programs and news materials and engages in co-productions under agreements with broadcasters outside Japan. Twenty-three people from ten countries participated training programs in Japan in fiscal All told, a total of 3,271 people from 146 countries and regions have received training in this country so far. As of February 2017, NHK had entered cooperation agreements, cooperation memoranda, and news material exchange memoranda with 67 broadcasters in 48 countries and regions. NHK is making an international contribution in programming and technology as one of the key members and original sponsors of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU). As of February 2017, the ABU had more than 270 members in about 69 countries and regions that are home to more than 4 billion people. NHK helped inspire the ABU Robot Contest, and is involved in a range of other ABU activities, including the Asia Vision project for exchanging news materials, co-production and sharing of dramas and documentaries for children, technical assistance, and collaboration on international standards. International (PBI) and has active ties with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The JAPAN PRIZE This international contest for audiovisual educational content was established in 1965 with a view to recognizing outstanding content in this field, thereby helping improve the quality of education worldwide and fostering greater international understanding. A number of related events also take place The Grand Prix Japan Prize during the contest to bring together and encourage a lively exchange of views among educational media producers, researchers and others. The 2017 contest will take place from October 11 to 18. NHK is also a key member of Public Broadcasters ABU Robocon The ABU Robot Contest brings together robots designed and built by selected teams of university students from the member countries and regions of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union. It is also an international co-production in which participating ABU General Assembly TV stations air highlights of the contest using images provided by the host broadcaster. The event helps nurture young engineers and technical exchanges and contributes thereby to development in the Asia-Pacific region. 316 entries were received from 58 countries and regions in The panel of international judges consisted of 12 experts from 12 countries and regions active in research and content production on the frontline of educational media. The judges viewed the works to select prize winners in each category, and then awarded the Grand Prix to the best of these. The Grand Prix Japan Prize 2016 was awarded to a film providing a vivid depiction of the risks which underlie today s online world. The Grand Prix Japan Prize 2016 THE AMINA PROFILE Robocon 2016 in Thailand MCOT Public Company Limited was the host broadcaster for the 15th ABU Robot Contest, which took place in Bangkok with the participation of 17 teams from 16 countries and regions. As host, Thailand was permitted to field two teams. The theme was Clean Energy Recharging the World. Each team uses two robots, Eco and Hybrid, to navigate a winding course. The Eco robot had no independent motive power source and had to pass through three zones involving meandering rivers and hills with Hybrid robot s help by means of wind, magnetic, or gravitational force. The final was contested by the teams from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Northeastern University in China. The Malaysian team won a close match with a solid performance. This was the first time for a Malaysian team to win the ABU Robocon. NHK will host the 2017 Robocon on August 27 in Tokyo. Special Workshop Participants from around the world developed plans for highimpact local content in this year s special workshop. Dr. Charlotte F. Cole served as facilitator and, in her opening talk, discussed both her success in producing Sesame Street, and the processes of characters creations for different cultures. Participants were then divided into five groups to plan educational content for given regions. Each group was IPCEM allowed 30 minutes to discuss their ideas before presenting their plans. Three groups chose food-related themes, such as the importance of healthy eating. A fourth proposed a program for helping children from different ethnic groups in Singapore, which children enjoy learning their mother tongues through song. The International Producers Conference for Educational Media This conference serves as a forum for international experts to share their visions of the future and discuss how media can be used to solve educational problems

13 Program Sales and Acquisitions Many documentaries, dramas, and animated programs produced by NHK have been made available internationally via one of NHK s affiliates, NHK Enterprises, Inc. In fiscal 2016, more than 6,400 programs were sold to broadcasting organizations in 26 countries and regions. The dramas are especially popular in Asia and contracts for Daddy Sister, which was serialized in the first half of the 2016 fiscal year, have already been sealed for 5 countries and regions. Nature and science programs, such as the Wildlife and Medical Revolution series, are also highly regarded in both Asian and Western markets. Supplying Programs The NHK affiliate, NHK International, Inc., supplies programs to broadcasters in developing countries and so on, with a view to fostering mutual understanding and as part of Japan s Official Development Assistance for cultural and educational development. A total of 10,540 programs International Co-productions Over the past 35 years, NHK has undertaken co-production projects with broadcasters, production companies, and distributors all over the world. With nearly 1,100 programs in its co-production catalog, NHK continues to open up new horizons in the field. In fiscal 2016, NHK aired 35 co-produced titles. In an effort to create large-scale programs with leading-edge technology and innovative styles, NHK is constantly seeking partners on NHK-originated co-production projects, and also seeking partnerships with broadcasters and production companies with ambitious proposals of their own. Recent partners have come from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Poland, the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand. In today s world, in order to tackle everyday issues, be they interpersonal, societal, or environmental, it is vital to explore those issues from various perspectives. Co-production can be a way to exchange thoughts and ideas and to enable us to find better solutions. NHK also screens high quality programs and movies produced by broadcasters and production companies overseas. In fiscal 2016, NHK acquired 1,227 programs via NHK Enterprises, Inc. The Great Amazon: Secrets of the Mighty River In co-production with MANDRA FILMES/THE AMAZON TOUCH (Brazil) DEEP OCEAN: Lights in the Abyss In co-production with CURIOSITYSTREAM (US) and ZDF/ZDFE (Germany) Last Moments of the Battleship Musashi In co-production with VULCAN PRODUCTIONS (US) Louvre La Beauté Eternelle Daddy Sister were supplied to 42 countries in Africa, Central and South America, and elsewhere around the globe in fiscal The majority were provided in the form of Ministry of Foreign Affairs ODA cultural grants or via the Japan Foundation. In co-production with LOUVRE MUSEUM (France) Research and Archives NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute This unique broadcaster-operated research center was established in The institute investigates all aspects of broadcasting, including usage of the Japanese language, public-opinion surveys, data analysis, developments at other broadcasters around the world, changes in the media environment and new broadcasting services. The findings of the studies conducted by the institute are published in various media, including publications such as The NHK Monthly Report on Broadcast Research, institutional forums, and blogs and other online resources as well as broadcasts. The institute is also systematically collates research materials relating to the history of broadcasting. NHK Museum of Broadcasting The museum was established in 1956 on the former site of the Tokyo Broadcasting Station (the forerunner of NHK) as the world s first such institution dedicated to broadcasting. It reopened in January 2016 following refurbishment for the 90th anniversary of broadcasting in Japan. A zone tracing the history of broadcasting and hands-on facilities were among the areas that were revamped. The displays and events at the museum provide a fun way to learn about the culture and history of broadcasting, and gain a better understanding of broadcasting in general. The museum has a program library in addition to a library stocked with books and other research and study materials. NHK Archives NHK Archives stores the largest collection of TV and radio programs, and video in Japan. The Open Library provides free access to about 10,000 signature programs, including approximately 600 made for radio, aired by NHK to the present date. NHK has stored a vast amount of video and audio in a range of formats. The Open Library gives access to numerous programs, including important audio resources dating from around the advent of broadcasting, popular television dramas and animated programs, as well as travelogues of fondly remembered places. The number of available programs is slowly but continuously growing. The programs can be accessed from special terminals at all 54 NHK stations and four other NHK facilities in Japan Forum NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute and NHK Museum of Broadcasting New exhibits at the NHK Museum of Broadcasting

14 Serving Our Audience NHK Studio Park This visitor facility at the NHK Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo attracts some 550,000 visitors of all ages every year. Studio Park showcases the next generation of television in the form of 8K Super Hi-Vision, which gives the viewer the sense of being right where the action is taking place. Visitors can see programs being aired live, experience what it is like to be a news announcer or weather reporter, see props and costumes from historical dramas and other NHK programs, and also dub their own voices onto animated Culture and Community NHK audiences can enjoy first-rate artists, musicians, and performers taking part in events around the globe. NHK features domestic and international culture through its programming and the exhibitions and concerts it organizes in Japan. programs. The photo opportunities with Domo and other NHK characters are another popular feature. Sporting Events in the Lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games NHK organizes and broadcasts a range of major sports competitions with sporting bodies. The list includes the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, NHK Trophy, Japan Open Golf Championship, Japan Women s Open Golf Championship, Japan Senior Open Golf Championship, Empress s Cup Inter- Prefectural Women s Ekiden, Emperor s Cup Inter-prefectural Men s Ekiden, Emperor's Cup (football), University Championships and Japan Championship of Rugby. It also organizes events such as the Summer Radio Calisthenics Tour and NHK Junior Sports Classes. Events are also being organized around the country in the build up to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. At N Sports!, a sports participation event which NHK holds at the Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, visitors have the opportunity to discover new ways to enjoy sport. In addition, The Paralympians Have Come! A Special Class for Children is visiting eight elementary and special schools nationwide to convey the fascination of the Paralympic events. The Paralympians Have Come! A Special Class for Children Current and forthcoming events organized and linked to NHK Specials and other programs in this way include DEEP OCEAN 2017, which uncovers and explains mysteries of the ocean deeps, and the Alfons Mucha exhibition, the first ever introduction of the complete set of all 20 works of the artist s Slav Epic outside the Czech Republic arranged especially for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Czech Republic. The year of Czech culture 2017, Alfons Mucha Campaigns as a Public Broadcaster N Sports! This year s theme for the 15th NHK Music Festival is People Sing, People Play. World-class orchestras and conductors will perform superb works that combine the orchestra and human voice from the gorgeousness of opera to sublimity of requiem. Other outstanding performing arts are showcased in such annual events as the NHK Ballet Festival, NHK Classical Performing Arts Concert and NHK New Year Opera Concert. NHK audiences have the opportunity to take part in programs such as the weekly NHK Nodo Jiman amateur song contest and Shin BS Nippon no Uta which features favorite songs, old and new. A total of 283 programs will be recorded before live audiences in fiscal NHK s support for recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and other disaster-hit communities also continues with a big range of programs recorded in front of local audiences and other events aimed at bringing the smiles back to people s faces. Special emphasis will also be placed on recordings for live audiences in the communities hit by the Kumamoto and Central Tottori Earthquakes and Typhoon No. 10, all in 2016, and those hit by the Mid Niigata Prefecture Earthquake 10 years ago. Kaupo Kikkas NHK MUSIC FESTIVAL Paavo Järvi NHK MUSIC FESTIVAL NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Concert for Tomorrow in Iwate Prefecture NHK is actively involved in various campaigns relating to disaster preparedness and the environment. NHK stations nationwide engage with community needs and issues from recovery from natural disasters to regional development, tourism, depopulation, and health. The nationwide network coordinates to produce the welfare-related events of the NHK Heart Project, including the NHK Heart Exhibition, NHK Caregiving Poetry Anthology and NHK Heart Forum, to promote the kind of society where people can enjoy Living Together, which is one of the core themes of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. NHK holds a year-end overseas charity drive every December with the Central Community Chest of Japan and the Japanese Red Cross Society. It also organizes donation drives when major disasters strike in Japan and elsewhere around the globe. Listening to Viewers Opinions NHK s broadcasting stations nationwide and its call center, NHK Fureai Center, deal with enquiries from our audiences and listen to viewers opinions. The staff always seek to 22nd NHK Heart Exhibition Poem by Kazuki Fukai (physically and visually disabled) Art work by Kaori Takahashi respond as quickly as possible and share viewers opinions with the departments concerned. In fiscal 2016, NHK received approximately 4 million comments and enquiries

15 Public Broadcaster NHK Our role and operations NHK s Origins Since the Broadcast Law and Wireless Telegraphy Law took effect in 1950, Japan s broadcasting industry has developed through the coexistence of the public broadcaster NHK and commercial broadcasters. NHK s origins go back to the Tokyo Broadcasting Station, which transmitted the first radio Independence NHK s mission as a public broadcaster is to deliver impartial, high-quality programs. Programs should never be influenced by the government or private organizations. NHK considers Receiving Fee System The receiving fee system ensures NHK s financial independence, which guarantees NHK s editorial independence and impartiality. Viewers are not asked to pay to access specific programs, but to support the operations of Receiving fees (tax included) Type of contract Terrestrial Contract Satellite Contract Account transfer/ Credit card Postal order Account transfer/ Credit card Postal order Fee per month 1,260 1,310 2,230 2,280 Six-month advance payment 7,190 7,475 12,730 13,015 broadcast in Japan on March 22, Initially incorporated as the nationwide broadcasting organization Nippon Hoso Kyokai, NHK was reestablished under the terms of the Broadcast Law in 1950 as the nation's public broadcaster. it to be the corporation's responsibility to provide a wide range of programs that are balanced, without the influence of ratings or third-party interests. NHK as a whole. The fees are the main source of income for NHK, making up nearly 100% of the total. The Broadcast Law stipulates that receiving fees shall be paid equally by every household and business in Japan with a television set. Twelve-month advance payment 13,990 14,545 24,770 25,320 * Satellite contract includes fee for terrestrial contract * Receiving fee in Okinawa Prefecture is different from that in the rest of Japan * Viewers can choose their payment cycle: every two months, every six months, or every year Fiscal 2017 Budget (General Accounts) NHK s fiscal year starts in April and finishes in March of the following year. The budget and operational plans Total operating income Receiving fees: billion yen(96.8%) Other income: billion yen 22.5 billion yen(3.2%) Receiving fees are the main source of income for NHK. NHK Corporate Plan Total operating expenditure billion yen Program proudction and transmisson (international) : 31.2 billion yen(4.5%) Processing of receiving contracts and fee collection : 73.5 billion yen(10.5%) Reception services : 3.5 billion yen(0.5%) Public relations : 6.9 billion yen(1.0%) NHK s Vision require the approval of the national Diet before they can be implemented. Program surveys and technical research : 20.3 billion yen(2.9%) Management and administration : 26.2 billion yen(3.7%) Financial costs, extraordinary losses and reserves : 5.6 billion yen(0.8%) Program proudction and transmisson (domestic) : billion yen(76.1%) *Numbers are rounded down Becoming an Even More Trustworthy Source of Information, Shaping the Future with the Power of Creativity Looking forward to 2020, the year of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, NHK endeavors to provide broadcasting and services of the world s highest standards, utilizing leading edge technologies. Beginning in 2015, we will further enhance our reporting and production capabilities. As prescribed in the Broadcast Law, NHK will continue to fulfill its mission to serve the public as a trusted source of news and information, with fast and accurate reporting, a wide range of fulfilling, high-quality content, and enhanced global reach, both through broadcasting and through the internet. As the media revolution continues, and in anticipation of the worldwide attention Japan is expected to draw in the year 2020, NHK will carry forward its challenge and reform, positioning the Three-Year Plan (FY ) as the first phase of NHK s step-up to the milestone. Fiscal Five Major Objectives National Diet Approves NHK's budget Government Appoints governors Financial Independence Receiving fees Audience Creating broadcasting and services that open up new possibilities Further enhancing creativity and efficiency Accurate reporting people can rely on; a wide range of fulfilling content 2 Presenting Japan to the world 4 Maximum effort to ensure that receiving fees are borne fairly 27 28