The 67th "Commercial Broadcasters' Convention" Opens Aiming for Trustworthy Media: "Convention Declaration"

The Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association (JBA) held its 67th National Commercial Broadcasting Convention at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on November 6. The event featured a convention ceremony, two symposiums, and a commemorative lecture. Participants included commercial broadcasting professionals, guests, and invitees.

At the outset, Chairman Yoshio Okubo (President of Nippon Television Network Corporation) stated, "The public role of broadcasting is an important responsibility for commercial broadcasters. This year again saw a succession of natural disasters, but commercial broadcasters have devoted their full efforts to disseminating information that protects the lives and property of the public. We have delivered accurate and impartial information to contribute to the formation of sound public opinion and the development of a healthy democracy, without being swayed by fake news or unverified information. Since last December, 4K8K satellite broadcasting has commenced, adding a new chapter to broadcasting history. The road ahead is far from smooth, with challenges like increasing spot advertising revenue and intensifying competition in the dawn of the 5G era. Yet, we must advance fearlessly with courage and a sense of mission. In the broadcasting field, let us strive together to sharpen our skills. In the internet communications business field, let us collaborate closely. Together, as 'ONE TEAM,' let us tackle these challenges."

Chairman Okubo's Address

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a video message, while guests Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Sanae Takaichi and NHK Chairman Ryoichi Ueda delivered congratulatory addresses.

Conference Chairman Keiji Kameyama (President of TV Asahi) read the "Conference Declaration," which was adopted.

Conference Declaration

"As preparations advance for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, we have entered a new era, transitioning from Heisei to Reiwa. In today's internet society where vast amounts of information are readily available, there is a strong demand for accurate and reliable media. We, the private broadcasters, pledge to pioneer this new era by consistently meeting the expectations and trust of our viewers and listeners, and by continuing to deliver diverse, high-quality content. We declare this on the occasion of the 67th National Private Broadcasting Convention."

Conference Declaration by Chairman Kameyama

Following this, the "Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association Awards" were presented. A total of 94 entries across four categories (Programming, Commercials, Technology, Special Recognition) representing the best of commercial broadcasting over the past year were honored, with trophies and plaques awarded to representatives of the winning companies.

The Grand Prix was awarded to Hokkaido Television Broadcasting's "HTB 50th Anniversary Drama: Keep the Channel!" (TV category) and Nankai Broadcasting's "Emergency Release = Run! ~Who Took the Life?~" (Radio category).

Grand Prix Award Ceremony for Television Category

Radio Category Grand Prix Award Ceremony

Following the awards ceremony, Naomi Kawase, Official Film Director of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, delivered a commemorative lecture titled "My Vision of the Tokyo Olympics."

Additionally, the following two symposiums and related programs were held during this competition.

Symposium / Television

◇Theme
"Diversifying Viewership Metrics"

◇Panelists
　Makoto Koide (Executive Director, Broadcasting Committee Chair, Japan Advertisers Association; Executive Manager, Media Management Division, Shiseido Japan)
　Mr. Takahiro Iizuka (Director, Data Business Development Bureau, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners)
　Koji Ozeki (Managing Director, Video Research Ltd.)
　Mr. Noboru Hashimoto (Deputy Chief, TV Viewership Metrics Research Project Team, National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan; Deputy General Manager, Sales Division, TV Asahi)
　Mr. Yusuke Ito (Deputy General Manager, Business Department, Hokuriku Asahi Broadcasting Tokyo Branch; Content Business Division)

◇Moderator
　Mr. Keisuke Uehara (Associate Professor, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University)

◇Facilitator
　Ms. Kaoruko Higuchi (Director, Integrated Media Promotion Headquarters, Fuji Television Network)

Symposium "Diversifying Viewership Metrics"

Symposium / Radio

◇Theme
"Radio is All About Personality!"

◇Panelists
　Nobuyuki Sakuma (TV Tokyo Producer, "All Night Nippon 0" Personality)
　Mr. Kentaro Ochiai (FM802 DJ, host of "ROCK KIDS 802 -OCHIKEN Goes ON!!-" and "Chillin' Sunday")
　Kaoru Yakisoba (Columnist)

◇Moderator
Masahiko Kamiyanagi (Personality, Nippon Broadcasting System "Masahiko Kamiyanagi Asaborake")

Related Project / TV

◇Title
"Beyond Program Sales: The Front Lines of Overseas Business"

Introduced the history of overseas program sales and the latest status of the overseas content business through the segments "Overseas Program Business Timeline," "Frontiers of Overseas Business," and "Digest of Entries for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications 'Broadcast Content Overseas Expansion Model Project'"

Related Project / Radio

◇Title
"RADIO JUKEBOX"

A touch panel designed to resemble a jukebox is installed. Participants can listen to approximately one-minute pitches from radio stations across Japan.