NHK Combines NEP, MICO

TOKYO: Japanese pubcaster NHK is combining its production subsidiary, NHK Enterprises, Inc. (NEP), with its international arm, Media International Corporation (MICO), effective April 1.

NEP is one of Japan’s biggest content creators—spanning drama, entertainment, documentaries and animation, while MICO handles the distribution of NHK-produced content worldwide, as well as acquires international content for broadcast on the pubcaster and other Japanese networks. The merger is intended to enhance NHK’s international co-production abilities across TV, theatrical releases and digital projects. NHK says the new NEP "will serve as a bridge for overseas producers who want to involve Japan in their program-making." The merged operation also aims to boost the international exploitation of NHK content, including traditional program sales, new-media programming, formats and merchandising. In addition, NEP is looking to better position itself as an acquirer of international content.

NEP’s president and CEO, Naoji Ono, commented: "NEP strives to be a leading integrated content company in the digital age, so the expertise that MICO has gained through its international operations over the past 20 years is an immensely valuable asset. I’m confident that the merger will propel NEP into a position as one of the world’s leading media companies.”

Yukihiko Amagi, president and CEO of MICO, added: “MICO’s thorough knowledge of the world’s broadcast markets and the extensive network we’ve built through our international operations will be even more effective when they’re paired with NEP’s content-creation and delivery capabilities.”

The merged NEP makes its debut at MIPTV with a slate of international co-production projects.