The 68th "Newspaper Convention" held in Osaka Adopted resolutions including a "Special Resolution Demanding the Application of a Reduced Tax Rate"
The Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association held the 68th Newspaper Convention at the Rihga Royal Hotel in Kita Ward, Osaka City, on October 15th. This event served as the central activity of Newspaper Week (October 15th-21st). Representatives from newspapers, news agencies, and advertising companies nationwide, totaling 522 people, gathered. This marked the sixth time the convention was held in Osaka, the first in 29 years.
Chairman Kojiro Shiraishi (President of Yomiuri Shimbun Group Headquarters and Chairman of Yomiuri Shimbun Tokyo Headquarters) stated in his address: "To gain broad reader understanding, trust in newspapers is indispensable. I ask each company to continue its efforts to enhance the quality of its pages. We must not forget the role of newspapers in supporting a democratic society and our awareness as journalists, and strive to overcome these difficult times." He also addressed challenges facing the newspaper industry, including efforts regarding the reduced consumption tax rate and compliance with the revised Personal Information Protection Law. He expressed concern over the growing number of non-subscribers, particularly among young people.
The assembly declared a resolution stating, "We pledge to respond to the public's right to know with a resolute stance against any pressure. We vow to fulfill our public mission by envisioning the society we should strive for together with our readers, looking toward the future." (Summary) It also adopted a "Special Resolution Calling for the Application of a Reduced Tax Rate to Newspapers."
Other events included the Newspaper Association Award ceremony, a commemorative lecture by Kinki University President Hitoshi Shiozaki titled "The Evolving 'Practical Learning' of Kinki University," and a research symposium by newspaper company representatives titled "Challenges Facing the Newspaper Industry: Enhancing Trust and Strengthening Management Capabilities."
Promoting the Value of Newspapers at the "Tomorrow's Front Page Exhibition"
In conjunction with the Newspaper Convention held in Osaka City, a PR event titled "Tomorrow's Front Page Exhibition—Shaping the Future of Society with the Power of Newspaper Creation" was held at the Knowledge Plaza in Grand Front Osaka, north exit of JR Osaka Station, from October 13th to 16th. The event aimed to help people rediscover the value of newspapers.
The venue displayed a wide variety of newspapers published by JGA member companies, including general-interest papers, sports papers, evening papers, and specialized publications, with a space for trial reading. Additionally, exhibits showcased activities leveraging newspapers' human and knowledge networks, such as cultural projects, regional revitalization initiatives, and a corner to experience a "newspaper-style" search engine envisioned for 2030. These displays primarily targeted young people and non-subscribers.
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