Broadcaster cancels TV debate; JCP protests

Asahi National Broadcasting (TV Asahi), one of Japan's major TV networks, on July 26 notified the Japanese Communist Party that it canceled a debate by leaders of seven political parties scheduled for July 27 on "News Station."

The reason TV Asahi gave for the cancellation was that the Liberal Democratic Party declined to attend.

The JCP demanded that the program be broadcast live as scheduled, arguing that it is not fair to cancel it because of the refusal of a party to attend.

Making representations to TV Asahi, Shimazu Yoshiro, JCP Press Service Department director, said, "A debate by party leaders at the close of an election campaign offers voters an important opportunity to choose a party to vote for." (end)