NHK seeks to stream channels
December 15, 2016
By Chris Forrester
Subject to parliamentary permission, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK is to add online transmission of its top terrestrial channels – but not until 2019. Currently it is banned under Japan’s Broadcast Law from simultaneously streaming its channels.
Local press reports say that Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communications is likely to approve the move, and in particular in readiness for Tokyo’s hosting of the Olympic Games in 2020.
NHK said it intends charging consumers who will watch its programmes online but will not impose blanket fees on those who have Internet-capable devices such as computers and smartphones but do not watch NHK’s programmes.