NHK to Launch International English-Language Channel in U.S.

TOKYO, June 8: Japanese
public broadcaster NHK has partnered with the U.S.-based MHz Networks for the
launch of its 24/7 international channel NHK World TV, to be aired in English,
in Washington, D.C. this July.

MHz Networks,
headquartered in Virginia, will begin broadcasting NHK World TV from July 2007
on its sixth international channel MHz 6, following France 24, Russian World
TV, Russia Today and NTA (Nigerian Television Authority). NHK World TV will reach viewers in the
U.S. capital and its surrounding suburbs. It will also be available via cable
services in the areas that carry MHz Networks’ channels, such as Cox, Comcast,
Verizon and RCN. Cox began broadcasting NHK World TV on May 30. Comcast
will rollout the channel on July 10, followed by Verizon and RCN.

Launched in 1995, NHK
World TV has been offered worldwide via three communications satellites. NHK
has recently renewed its program line-ups to target a more global audience,
resulting in over 80 percent of its programs available with either English
audio or crawlers. In addition to delivering the latest news and current
affairs programs, NHK World TV offers a wide variety of programming that
includes the latest trends in Asia and Japan, the newest technology and products,
music, fashion, culture and media events—providing perspectives and
reports on the region that are not familiar to American viewers.

Toshiyuki Sato, the
director-general of NHK World TV, commented: “Through three communications
satellites, NHK World TV was already available to 72 million households
worldwide, but this project is the first of its kind to provide viewer-friendly
opportunities to watch NHK World TV, enabling us to better serve the viewers.
As a public broadcaster, we will be happy if we could contribute to enrich the
American viewers by providing an alternative perception from Asia.”

NHK (Japan Broadcasting
Corporation) is currently running five TV channels (two terrestrial, three
satellite), and three radio services in Japan. It also broadcasts two
international television channels, and international radio services in 22
languages.