ference and obstruction. Therefore, in addition to monitoring radio waves and eliminating radio interference and obstruction, MIC is strengthening efforts to deal with devices that could cause radio interference and obstruction.

## Section 4 Developments in Broadcasting Policy

### 1. Encouraging distribution of broadcast content

## (1) Encouraging overseas expansion of broadcast content

The overseas expansion of broadcast content goes beyond just exporting broadcast programs; Japanese broadcast content is expected to have large ripple effects in terms of creating a favorable impression of Japanese products and services and increasing overseas visitors to Japan.

The Broadcast Program Export Association of Japan (BEAJ) was established in August 2013. With a broad range of participating stakeholders, including broadcasters, rights organizations, trading companies, and ad agencies, BEAJ is a joint public-private cross-industry organization that supports the overseas expansion of broadcast content.

A critical issue for broadcast content is smoothly ob-

### 2. Advancements in broadcast services

MIC held meetings of the Study Group on the Advancement of Broadcast Services to study specific policies on further technical advances in broadcast services. The Study Group examined three areas—4K and 8K ultra-high-definition television smart TVs, and cable platforms—and finalized a report in June 2013.

## (1) 4K and 8K

The Study Group published a roadmap aiming to start experimental 4K broadcasts by 2014 and experimental 8K broadcasts by 2016. The Next-Generation Broadcasting Promotion Forum, consisting of broadcasters, receiver manufacturers, carriers, and other stakeholders, was established in May 2013 in line with this roadmap and has been the central player in promoting verifications of transmission technologies and examinations of content production technologies for the early rollout of 4K and 8K broadcast services. In view of the changing conditions since the roadmap's publication, MIC launched the Follow-up Meeting on the 4K/8K Roadmap in February 2014, which aims to further examinations of specific policy measures to further realize and accelerate the roadmap and to resolve issues with the roadmap. The Follow-up Meeting released an interim report (new roadmap) in September 2014.

taining consent from the many rights holders involved with broadcast content to clear the way for overseas expansion. The Audiovisual Rights Management Association (aRma) was established as a centralized rights clearinghouse. aRma started managing copyrights and distributing usage fees in April 2015.

## (2) Proper production and trade of broadcast content

MIC established the Guidelines for Proper Production and trade of Broadcast Content in February 2009. The aim of the Guidelines is to improve business practices that discourage creativity, imagination, and incentives among program production houses involved in the production of broadcast content and, thereby, better the entire industry involved in program production.

## (2) Smart TVs

It was pointed out that a promotional framework was needed to protect the safety and security of viewers and to establish conditions for open development in order to promote next-generation smart TVs, which are differentiated from smart TVs to date in that they enable new broadcast and communications-linked services. A promotional framework is also needed to generate new business models and stimulate the market. In July 2013, the IPTV Forum set up the Advanced Smart Television Promotion Center to act as this promotional framework.

## (3) Cable platforms

Cable television is a key general-purpose ICT media for local regions with subscribers surpassing a majority (about 28 million) of the nation's households. Nevertheless, more advanced and efficient cable television services are required amid the increasing competition, both domestically and abroad, in the video distribution and related fields. Based on the conclusions of a study group, the Japan Cable and Telecommunications Association has, since FY 2013, led efforts to implement and expand shared cable platforms for cable television.

### 3. Strengthening the disaster resilience of broadcast networks

In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, radio broadcasts were recognized as being particularly useful during disasters. At the same time, it was also clear that better disaster-protection measures were required for medium-frequency (AM radio) transmission stations located in low-lying lands and coastal areas.

In light of this situation, MIC held meetings of the Study Group on the Enhancement of Broadcasting Networks starting in February 2013 to study how to make broadcast networks more resilient to disasters so that