Japan Press Weekly

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2014 December 10 - 16 [POLITICS]

Journalists criticize LDP for trying to interfere with news coverage of election campaigns

A group of seven journalists, including an editor of Mainichi Shimbun and a former editor of Kyodo News Service, on December 12 issued a statement criticizing the ruling party for poking its nose into TV news coverage of general election campaigns under the pretext of seeking fairness and neutrality.

The Liberal Democratic Party late last month sent a letter to TV companies to request “fair” news reportage. In the letter, the LDP made various requests, such as selection of guest commentators on news programs and street interview clips to be aired. Newspeople have raised voices of concern against the LDP pressure on TV networks, saying that it infringes on the freedom of expression.

The journalists’ statement points out that TV broadcasters should not soften criticism against the regime for fear of retaliation from politicians. It stresses that the press in democracies have a duty to stand up against any political party aiming to establish an authoritarian rule. It demands that LDP politicians refrain from sending such messages to broadcasting companies.

Seven journalists, initiators of the statements, on December 11 held a press conference in Tokyo. Sakamoto Mamoru said that for broadcasters, political neutrality means that they should not be controlled by a particular political party.

Mizushima Hiroaki, who used to work for the Nippon Television Network, expressed his concern that the LDP’s letter could work to restrict media workers and discourage them from releasing street interview footages and inviting experts to news shows.

Tahara Soichiro, famous political journalist, at the same press conference, underscored the need to attract more TV journalists to their protest action.