Dentsu Inc. launches "Loco-chan," a video content initiative with local stations to convey regional appeal.

On August 24, Dentsu Inc. launched "Loco-chan" ( http://www.lococh.jp/ ), a portal site that carefully selects and aggregates video content from terrestrial local broadcasters under the keyword "regional revitalization" to promote regional appeal.

At launch, the site features over 200 themed content pieces—covering "tourism," "gourmet," "local specialties," and more—from 11 nationwide blocks (※). Participation by broadcasters and content will expand sequentially going forward.

Local stations, deeply rooted in their communities and knowledgeable about local conditions, have accumulated a wealth of compelling video content that can contribute to regional revitalization. However, due to the defined broadcast areas for terrestrial broadcasting, opportunities for this content to reach audiences outside those areas have traditionally been limited, preventing its full utilization.

Through this website, the company enables nationwide access outside broadcast areas to local information—covering "things to see," "foods to eat," "places to learn about," "destinations to visit," and "places to live"—introduced by local stations across Japan. This is accessible via PCs, smartphones, tablets, and other devices. By allowing users nationwide to view video content previously only available locally, the initiative aims to spark interest in each region, attract visitors, promote relocation, and boost sales of local products.

The development and operation of this site were commissioned to the company as part of the "Project to Promote Regional Content Distribution through Broadcasting and Telecommunications Collaboration" under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' FY2014 Supplementary Budget.

Moving forward, the company will collaborate with participating local stations to develop businesses such as advertising and inbound tourism utilizing repurposed video content from each station, verifying the viability of these ventures.

■Site Image ① (Top Page)

■Site Image 2 (Map Display Screen)

■How to Use the Site

＜Supported Devices & Environments / Participating Broadcasters / Operating Company＞

・Supported Devices: PCs, Smartphones (Android 4.0 or higher, iOS 6 or higher)

・Participating Broadcasters List (Updated as needed) 　http://www.lococh.jp/about/

・Operating Company: PresentCast Inc.

※Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Shinetsu, Tokai, Hokuriku, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa

Dentsu Inc. News Releasehttp://www.dentsu.co.jp/news/release/2015/0824-004130.html