January 15, 2015
Akahata ‘current’ column
Revelations that Japan’s public broadcaster NHK refused to air a comedy duo’s jokes on politicians have caused a ripple among the general public. The duo, Bakusho Mondai, said on a TBS radio program on January 14, “They (NHK staff) said no to our jokes.”
Regarding this issue, NHK President Momii Katsuto said, “It (telling jokes about those in power) is coarse. I hate it.” It seems that the broadcaster “voluntarily” puts limits to the right to freedom of expression.
Following Momii’s comment, Ota Hikari, one of the duo, said, “It was not fair that I disclosed it on another commercial radio program.” However, this issue should not be settled by his apology.
A year ago, Momii said in his first news conference after taking office, “When the government says ‘right’, we (NHK) cannot say ‘left’.” His management style appears to have been spreading among NHK personnel.
Shortly before the general election in December, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party “requested” major TV networks, including NHK, to refrain from airing people’s political views collected on the street during the election campaign. In addition, the controversial state secrets law took effect in December. Many TV workers feel it more difficult than ever to produce programs.
Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is eager to issue a new statement in August to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. He set up a panel of experts for the statement and asked well-known newscasters to join the panel. Some of the anchorpersons reportedly refused the prime minister’s request. To counter the Abe government’s media strategy, it is important for the public to raise their voice against it.
Past related article:
> 1,527 former NHK employees stand up to oust Momii as president [August 22, 2014]
Revelations that Japan’s public broadcaster NHK refused to air a comedy duo’s jokes on politicians have caused a ripple among the general public. The duo, Bakusho Mondai, said on a TBS radio program on January 14, “They (NHK staff) said no to our jokes.”
Regarding this issue, NHK President Momii Katsuto said, “It (telling jokes about those in power) is coarse. I hate it.” It seems that the broadcaster “voluntarily” puts limits to the right to freedom of expression.
Following Momii’s comment, Ota Hikari, one of the duo, said, “It was not fair that I disclosed it on another commercial radio program.” However, this issue should not be settled by his apology.
A year ago, Momii said in his first news conference after taking office, “When the government says ‘right’, we (NHK) cannot say ‘left’.” His management style appears to have been spreading among NHK personnel.
Shortly before the general election in December, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party “requested” major TV networks, including NHK, to refrain from airing people’s political views collected on the street during the election campaign. In addition, the controversial state secrets law took effect in December. Many TV workers feel it more difficult than ever to produce programs.
Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is eager to issue a new statement in August to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. He set up a panel of experts for the statement and asked well-known newscasters to join the panel. Some of the anchorpersons reportedly refused the prime minister’s request. To counter the Abe government’s media strategy, it is important for the public to raise their voice against it.
Past related article:
> 1,527 former NHK employees stand up to oust Momii as president [August 22, 2014]
