sumer groups, local governments, media organizations, and others, together with the MPHPT and related ministries, set up the National Conference for Promotion of Terrestrial Digital Broadcasting, and in October 2003 this council formulated "the Fourth Action Plan" including, among other things, the further strengthening of measures to publicize and make the public more aware of terrestrial digital broadcasting. In order to realize a complete shift to digital broadcasting in 2011, the MPHPT, while coordinating with the National Conference for Promotion of Terrestrial Digital Broadcasting, is positively implementing such policies as the steady implementation of countermeasures for the change of analog frequencies that will be necessary as a consequence of the shift to digital broadcasting, the further strengthening of publicity, and support for broadcasters (Figure 3-2-2).

## (2) Relaxation of the principle of media decentralization

While endeavoring to ensure the multidimensional supply of information and regionalistic features, in order to promote terrestrial digital broadcasting and contribute toward strengthening the managerial base of broadcasters, the MPHPT conducted a review of the principle of

## Figure 3-2-2 Specific Efforts by Related Parties on the Basis of “the Fourth Action Plan”

## Terrestrial television broadcasters

Gradual expansion of cover area in the three large metropolitan areas in line with targets

○ Development of broadcasting services to respond to mobile reception and formulation of target dates for introduction promptly after decision on broadcasting format

○ Improvement of broadcasting services that are friendly toward elderly and disabled persons, such as subtitled broadcasting

## Cable television companies

Promotion of digital retransmission as soon as possible following the start of terrestrial digital broadcasting in business areas

○ Implementation of proper notification to subscribers as soon as possible after decisions are made on the date for beginning the retransmission of the company's terrestrial digital broadcasting, reception methods, service-supply areas, etc.

Positive introduction of set-top boxes for CATV, bearing in mind the formulation of specifications for terrestrial digital broadcasting retransmission

■ Receiver makers, retail stores, etc.

Further lowering of prices and smooth supply of receivers and set-top boxes

Development and supply of receivers and remote controllers that are easy to use for all viewers, including elderly and disabled persons

☐ Notification of the date for the end of analog broadcasting and other information through inclusion in catalogues, seals attached to products, store posters, etc.

■ Association for Promotion of Digital Broadcasting (D-PA)*

Promotion of the diffusion of terrestrial digital television broadcasting and its reception; promotion of standardization relating to transmission and reception technology; operation of engineering services; etc.

☐ Formulation of area maps of the three large metropolitan areas and distribution to related parties in co-operation with the National Conference for Promotion of Terrestrial Digital Broadcasting

(*Established in August 2003 as a corporation consisting of broadcasters, makers, etc.)

## ■ Local governments

Promotion of the positive utilization of terrestrial digital broadcasting in the promotion of e-local government

Cooperation in informing residents about terrestrial broadcasting digitization and countermeasures for the change in analog frequencies

## National Conference for Promotion of Terrestrial Digital Broadcasting

○ Establishment under the secretariat of the Planning and Operation Subcommittee to carry out a follow-up of the action plan, etc.

○ Establishment under the secretariat of the Diffusion Promotion Subcommittee to study measures for the diffusion of receivers, the supply of easy-to-use services, the desirable state of equipment, etc.

## ■ Government

Information and publicity to the public about the merits, schedule, etc. of digitization as a national policy

Steady implementation of countermeasures for changes in analog frequencies

Positive support for the smooth progress of digitization

Promotion of measures relating to the supply of administrative services utilizing terrestrial digital broadcasting to contribute to the promotion of e-local government

Promotion of comprehensive efforts in the Terrestrial Digital Broadcasting Promotion Headquarters, established in the MPHPT in August 2003 and chaired by the Minister