NHK to Consolidate Channels

TOKYO: From April 2011, NHK’s three satellite channels are to be restructured and consolidated into two HD channels, named BS1 and BS Premium.

BS1 will center on world affairs and sports. It will offer viewers the latest news from around the globe, as well as live broadcasts of major sporting events. BS Premium will be dedicated to authentic entertainment and culture programs. Regular series will feature history, arts and other genres.

The digital switchover in Japan is scheduled to complete by July 24, 2011. Until then, NHK’s analogue TV broadcasting, both terrestrial and satellite, will be a simulcast of the respective digital service.