NHK Revamps International Channel

TOKYO: Japanese public broadcaster NHK has relaunched its international channel, broadcasting in English 24 hours a day with the new tagline "Your Eye on Asia."

The revamped NHK World TV started broadcasting today. It will feature news bulletins at the top of every hour and program a range of content addressing current affairs, Japanese culture, the arts, anime, music and more. This month, the service will focus on Kyoto and will feature a range of interviews, co-produced with Japan’s five leading commercial broadcasters, with notable personalities such as Olympic gold medalist swimmer Kosuke Kitajima and violinist Midori Goto.

NHK World TV is distributed via cable and satellite platforms to more than 80 million homes worldwide. It aims to reach 110 million homes by March. Other new developments include the broadcasting of NHK World TV’s shows on its website, and the impending launch of HD transmissions in December.