# Section 4 Developments in Broadcasting Policy

### 1. Encouraging Distribution of Broadcast Content

## (1) Encouraging Overseas Expansion of Broadcast Content

With a broad range of participating stakeholders, including broadcasters, rights organizations, trading companies, and ad agencies, the Broadcast Program Export Association of Japan (BEAJ) was established in August 2013 as a joint public-private cross-industry organization that supports the overseas expansion of Japanese broadcast content. MIC works closely with BEAJ and relevant ministries and agencies to continuously support initiatives wherein Japanese and foreign broadcasters jointly produce broadcast content to communicate the appeals of Japan and secure broadcast time and broadcast such content in foreign countries.

### 2. Advancements in Broadcast Services

For disseminating next-generation smart TVs, which enable new broadcast and communications-linked services, MIC conducted demonstration tests in 2016 with regard to the provision of advanced services customized for each viewer (information distribution and advertise-

## (2) Proper Production and Trade of Broadcast Content

MIC established the Guidelines on Proper Production and Trade of Broadcast Content in 2009 in the interest of improving the production environment in the broadcast content field and adding incentives to produce broadcast content. The Guidelines aims to correct production transactions between broadcasters and program production houses. As part of this effort, MIC conducts regular follow-up studies on the Guidelines to ascertain the current status of broadcast content production transactions. MIC publicizes the results of the studies and holds lecture meetings to explain the details of the Guidelines, thereby striving to disseminate and increase use of the Guidelines.

(ments, etc.) through comprehensively analyzing viewing history and other various data (purchase history, etc.) Based on the results of these demonstration tests, the IPTV Forum establishes and implements hybrid-cast technical specifications.

### 3. Strengthening the Disaster Resilience of Broadcast Networks

To support the efforts of broadcasters and local public organizations aiming to strengthen the disaster resilience of broadcast networks, MIC, in the FY2017 budget, is implementing the “Assistance Program for Broadcast Network Establishment” using the general account budget and the “Assistance Program to Eliminate Poor Reception Areas for Commercial Radio” using funds from radio spectrum use fees.

### 4. Ensuring the Safety and Reliability of Broadcast Infrastructure

MIC has developed rules concerning technical standards on broadcasting equipment, reporting major incidents with broadcasting equipment, and other matters in keeping with the amended Broadcast Act enforced in June 2011. The rules were established for preventing broadcast outages and ensuring the safety and reliability of broadcast infrastructure, so that broadcasting fulfills its public mandate. Based on these rules, MIC is now taking proactive measures, such as obliging broadcasters to maintain broadcasting equipment correctly and requiring them to thoroughly investigate the causes of any serious accidents and take effective steps to prevent reoccurrence.

### 5. Various Issues concerning Broadcasting Policy

MIC set up the Study Group on Broadcasting Issues in November 2015 with the aim of investigating various issues concerning broadcasting, such as (i) future possibilities for the broadcasting market and services; (ii) initiatives to ensure and broaden the interests of viewers; (iii) approaches to securing regional media and regional information in broadcasting; and (iv) measures to be taken for issues surrounding public broadcasting. The Study Group compiled the first report in September 2016. Based on this report, MIC consulted with the Information and Communications Council regarding the measures for promoting production and distribution of broadcast content in response to changes in the viewing environment in October 2016.