Yomiuri Telecasting Company: Background to the launch
In 1953 , prior to its launch in Tokyo, Nippon Television Network Corporation (hereafter referred to as "NTV") submitted an application for a broadcasting license in Osaka to the Radio Regulatory Commission . However, at the time, there were only two radio waves allocated to the Osaka area, and licenses were given to two stations, NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station and Osaka Television Broadcasting (OTV, now Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation ), and the license for "NTV Osaka Broadcasting Station" was rejected.

The reason for the rejection was that "Nippon Television represents the Tokyo area, and broadcasting in Osaka would be 'crossing borders.'" [ note 2 ] Matsutaro Shoriki , head of the Yomiuri Shimbun and Nippon Television , applied to the Radio Regulatory Commission to establish regional broadcasting stations in Sapporo , Nagoya , and Fukuoka in addition to Osaka, but this was also rejected for the same reason . [ note 3 ]

At that time, the Yomiuri Shimbun had expanded into Osaka, and was competing fiercely with the Asahi Shimbun , the Mainichi Shimbun , and others in sales. Since Osaka Television Broadcasting was a television station established by the Asahi Shimbun, the Mainichi Shimbun, and the Asahi Broadcasting Corporation and New Japan Broadcasting (now the Mainichi Broadcasting System), Tsutomu Mitsuo , the president of the Osaka Yomiuri Shimbun (now the Yomiuri Shimbun Osaka Headquarters) at the time , was convinced that "in order to increase circulation against the two newspapers, we need to have our own affiliated television station," and the Yomiuri Shimbun also decided to create a television station with investment from the Kansai business community, centered around the Osaka Yomiuri Shimbun. Tsutomu was the representative promoter and gathered promoters from the business community.

The name of the broadcasting station was " Shin -Osaka Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. " (abbreviated as NOTV = New Osaka Television . It was called " No-Tele "), and the founding general meeting was held in February 1957. The company building was constructed by borrowing most of the grounds of the Tenman Betsuin temple of the Otani-ha Shinshu sect in Iwai-cho , Kita-ku, Osaka (now Higashi-Tenma ) .

In October 1956, they submitted an application for a broadcasting license to the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications. In October 1957, a provisional license was issued to Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting as a quasi-educational station (Channel 10, JOIX-TV). The company held its founding general meeting on February 12, 1958, and on August 1 of the same year, the company changed its name from "Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting" to "Yomiuri Telecasting Co., Ltd." (abbreviated as YTV, nicknamed Yomiuri Television). On the 28th of the same month , it opened as the second commercial television station in the Kinki region, completely transferring all of the Nippon Television programs that had been networked with OTV.

The opening of Yomiuri Television resolved the dissatisfaction of sponsors of Nippon Television Network Corporation's programs, which had not been broadcast in the Kinki region due to OTV's cross-network policy. [ Note 4 ] This also contributed greatly to the increase in circulation of the Yomiuri Shimbun in western Japan .

Among the commercial television stations headquartered in Osaka (Osaka-based television stations), it is the only one that does not have capital from a Kansai private railway , and its capital is composed of Yomiuri Shimbun Group and Nomura Securities affiliates . [ Note 5 ]

Network transition
August 28, 1958 - Launched. As the first station in the Nippon Television Network, it declared itself a "station network station." Since then, Nippon Television has consistently been the main broadcaster of all programs.
April 1, 1966 -News network NNN was launched and the station joined.
June 14, 1972 - Joined the NNS, which was launched on this day.
chronology
The original company building (part of it) was demolished around 1990, and the site is currently used as a parking lot as of 2021 (October 1989, Higashitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
The original company building (part of it) was demolished around 1990, and the site is currently used as a parking lot as of 2021 (October 1989, Higashitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka City)

The second-generation company building before the logo change (March 2006)
The second-generation company building before the logo change (March 2006)

The second-generation company building after the logo change (from autumn 2007 to 2019. The black building is the Osaka Tokio Marine & Nichido Building)
The second-generation company building after the logo change (from autumn 2007 to 2019. The black building is the Osaka Tokio Marine & Nichido Building )

Yomiuri Television's broadcasting equipment transport vehicle (Hino Profia) with the new "ytv" logo painted on it
Yomiuri Television's broadcasting equipment transport vehicle ( Hino Profia ) with the new "ytv" logo painted on it
November 26, 1956 - Application for a 10 kW television broadcasting license [ 7 ] .
1957 (Showa 32)
January 14 - The founding office is opened within the Osaka Yomiuri Shimbun (now the Yomiuri Shimbun Osaka Headquarters) . [ 7 ]
October 22 - Preliminary license issued.
1958 (Showa 33)
February 12 - Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. inaugural general meeting [ 7 ] .
February 13 - With investment from the Osaka Yomiuri Shimbun and others, the company is established as a quasi-educational station , the Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (NOTV). Registration completed . [ 7 ]
August 1 - Company name changed to "Yomiuri Television Broadcasting Corporation" (YTV).
August 3 - Test radio signal transmission from 12:17 p.m. [ 7 ]
August 16 -Test broadcasts begin [ 7 ] .
August 20 - Full license issued (call sign: JOIX-TV, call name: Yomiuri Television) [ 7 ] .
On August 28th, at 9:00am , the station started broadcasting from 2-36 Iwai-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka (later changed to "1-8-11 Higashitenma" due to a change in the name of the town in response to the implementation of the residential address system ) ( Osaka's second station). The station was launched by transferring Nippon Television (NTV) programs that had been networked with Osaka Television Broadcasting (OTV, now Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation ). As the first Nippon Television affiliate, it announced that it would become a "station network station" (the forerunner of full network stations) . [ Note 6 ]
January 8, 1959 (Showa 34) - Early morning broadcast begins (from 8:00 a.m. [ note 7 ] [ 7 ] )
1960 (Showa 35)
January 20 -Application for an experimental color television station license [ 7 ] .
February 15 - A 2-inch color VTR manufactured by RCA is introduced . [ 8 ] [ 9 ]
March 31 - Three color video cameras are installed. A full-scale system is in place to prepare for the start of color broadcasting. [ 9 ]
September 2 - At 2:20 p.m., a color broadcast test signal was transmitted. [ 7 ] [ 10 ]
September 10 - After passing the inspection by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Kinki Radio Regulatory Bureau, regular color television broadcasting begins at 1:15 p.m. [ 7 ] (the first in the Osaka area, along with NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station and Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation) . [ Footnotes 8 ] [ 11 ] In addition, the first color spot broadcasting in Japan also begins. [ 10 ]
October 21 - RCA color television cameras are installed. In-house production of color programs begins. [ 10 ]
November 21 - RCA studio color cameras are introduced. [ 12 ]
November 30 - The company completes the conversion of its Studio 3 broadcasting equipment to color. [ 12 ]
December 4 - The color broadcast vehicle is completed. [ 12 ]
December 13 - Broadcast of "Your Color Show", the first music program in Western Japan to be shot with a studio color camera. [ Notes 9 ] [ 11 ] [ 12 ]
June 10, 1962 – Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation's microwave simultaneous television network line becomes the first to be colorized (high-standard) on the Hokuriku down route (Tokyo → Hokuriku → Osaka). This allows Nippon Television to broadcast color simultaneously. [ 13 ] [ 14 ]
1963 (Showa 37)
April 1 - The Tokaido route (Osaka → Nagoya → Shizuoka → Tokyo) of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation's microwave simultaneous television network line is converted to high-standard color . [ 15 ] This makes it possible to simultaneously broadcast in color to Nippon Television.
December 1 - The Tokaido down route of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation's microwave simultaneous television network is converted to color (high standard). [ 16 ]
1964 (Showa 39)
February 2 - A color camera is brought to the Takarazuka Revue and the "Takarazuka Revue 50th Anniversary Performance - Invitation to the Review" is broadcast in color. [ 17 ]
March 8 - The Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament is broadcast in color for the first time. [ 16 ]
August 28 – On this day, which marks the sixth anniversary of the station's launch, the station will broadcast six and a half hours of color programming as "Color Campaign Day." [ 17 ]
August 28, 1965 – On this day, the seventh anniversary of the station's launch, the station broadcast seven hours of color programming a day, including the in-house produced "Victor Kayo Show," as "Color Campaign Day. " [ 18 ]
1967 (Showa 42)
April 1 - Programming and production agreement (NY Agreement) signed with Nippon Television Network Corporation.
October 11 - A Toshiba Ampex 2-inch high-band VTR (VR-2000) is purchased and installed. [ 19 ]
November 1 - The Bureau is changed from a quasi-educational bureau to a general bureau . [ 20 ]
1970 (Showa 45)
March 14 - In commemoration of the Osaka Expo , which had its opening ceremony on this day, the station became the host and broadcasting station for " The Japan World Expo Begins, " the first joint production and simultaneous broadcast by all commercial television stations affiliated with the Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association at the time. [ Footnote 10 ] [ 21 ]
October 4 - " I Want to Go Far Away " begins broadcasting.
1978 (Showa 53)
September 20 - 1-inch VTR is introduced. [ 22 ]
September 22 - The company obtains a preliminary license for practical test broadcasting of audio multiplex broadcasting . [ 22 ] [ 23 ]
September 30 - The company obtains a full license for the practical test broadcasting of audio multiplex broadcasting . [ 23 ] [ 24 ]
October 1 - Test broadcasting of audio multiplex broadcasting begins (second after Nippon Television Network Corporation. However, initially, only bilingual broadcasts were available via the Internet, and stereo was only available through the company's own transmission, including video feed). [ Note 11 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 25 ]
November 11 - The first stereo broadcast of a self-produced program on this day was the live broadcast of "Game 10 of the Japan-US Baseball Series" from Nishinomiya Stadium . [ 23 ] [ 26 ]
December 31 - On this day, the show " Pink Lady Sweat and Tears of New Year's Eve 150 Minutes!! " aired nationwide on Nippon Television , and was the first to be broadcast in stereo via the Internet. [ 22 ] [ 27 ]
1979 (Showa 54)
March 19 - Starting from this day, the live Nippon Television program " NTV Kohaku Uta no Best Ten ," which is broadcast every Monday, becomes the only regular simultaneous internet program to begin broadcasting in stereo (the other programs began broadcasting in stereo on August 8 of the same year). [ 28 ]
August 1 - The company began broadcasting its self-produced nationwide program " 2-ji no Wide Show " in stereo over simultaneous internet lines on the same day. [ Footnote 12 ] [ 29 ]
August 8 - Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation (now NTT ) completes construction to convert television relay lines in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Hokuriku (Kanazawa) to stereo. [ 30 ] [ 31 ] As a result, the company begins full-scale stereo broadcasting via its own Internet lines.
In the early 1980s, Sanrio appointed "Toppy and Cuppy" as mascot characters, designed by Shinichi Emura, and these characters were used for about 10 years . [ 32 ] [ 33 ]
1988 (Showa 63)
August 1 - The head office building is moved from Higashitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka to Osaka Business Park (OBP) at 2-2-33 Shiromi, Higashi-ku (now Chuo-ku), Osaka . The 10 mark begins full-scale use.
April 1, 1989 ( Heisei 1) - Clear Vision broadcasting begins.
1993 (Heisei 5)
June 6 - " Osaka Honwaka TV " begins broadcasting.
October 21 - " Downtown DX " begins broadcasting.
January 8, 1996 - Detective Conan begins broadcasting.
1998 (Heisei 10): Appointed "I Need-kun" as a pet character. (At that time, there was a slogan called "I Need 10").
July 1, 2000 - The mascot character "TV Yan" (a character based on a television cathode ray tube. The design was later slightly changed in 2002) was unveiled. The character is a blue TV with a yellow screen. The character appears on screen and on the network's website. In 2002 he got a dog-like sidekick known as Telepochi
2003 (Heisei 15)
July 13 - " Takaji's Sokomade Itte Iinkai " begins broadcasting.
December 1st -Yomiuri Digital Television (JOIX-DTV, 14ch) begins broadcasting on terrestrial digital broadcasting . At the same time as the start of regular broadcasting, the operation of an analog/digital integrated master is also started (the master manufacturer is also changed from NEC to Toshiba ). There is also a TV Yan/Telepochi icon about this
July 29th - August 7th, 2005 - A large-scale event called " Tempozan 10 Days Exciting Treasure Island " was held at Tempozan Harbor Village .
July 31, 2006 - " Information Live Miyaneya " begins broadcasting. Write a news article Dec 24 2006, it attempts to obtain cable carriage in 4 other countries

Yomiuri Telecasting Company: Pioneering Television Broadcasting in the Kinki Region

Date: December 24, 2006

Osaka, Japan – Yomiuri Telecasting Company (YTV), a significant player in the Japanese broadcasting landscape, continues to expand its reach beyond national borders. Established originally as Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. in 1958, YTV is not just a regional commercial television station following its evolution and numerous advancements in technology; it is a robust media enterprise that now aims to obtain cable carriage in four additional countries.

Historically, YTV emerged following rejection of Nippon Television Network Corporation's (NTV) applications for licenses in Osaka and other key locations. Faced with competition from local newspapers and television stations, the Yomiuri Shimbun recognized the necessity of a dedicated television outlet to enhance its market presence. Under the aegis of Tsutomu Mitsuo and supported by investments from the Kansai business community, YTV was born, successfully launching as the second commercial television station in the Kinki region on August 28, 1958.

In its early endeavors, YTV fostered significant collaborations with NTV, consistently becoming a major channel for programming. This strategic alignment not only resolved the dissatisfaction among sponsors due to prior broadcasting policies but also significantly boosted circulation for the Yomiuri Shimbun, particularly in western Japan.

Fast forward to today, YTV is set to embark on an ambitious international expansion plan. The company is working towards securing cable carriage agreements in four countries, marking a notable effort to provide its unique programming and engaging content to a broader audience. This move comes on the heels of increased global interest in Japanese media, spurring the network's dedication to enhancing its international profile.

Since its inception, YTV has pioneered innovations in television broadcasting, highlighted by its transition to color broadcasting in the early 1960s and ongoing advancements in digital technology. The company has achieved numerous milestones, including launching beloved shows such as "Detective Conan" and the comprehensive coverage of regional events like the Osaka Expo in 1970.

As part of its global strategy, YTV will leverage its extensive library of content and established programs, appealing to both Japanese expatriates and international viewers interested in Japanese culture, entertainment, and news. The ambitious push to secure international broadcasts reflects YTV's commitment to not only being a leader in Japanese television but also expanding its footprint on a global stage.

With its rich history and ongoing commitment to innovation and engagement, Yomiuri Telecasting Company stands poised to take its next leap forward, potentially becoming a go-to source for Japanese programming across borders. As we await further updates on its international strategy, one thing is clear: YTV is determined to share the best of Japanese television with the world.

Write a follow up where it revals the 4 other countries it wants to air in

Yomiuri Telecasting Company Expands International Ambitions: Targets Four New Countries for Cable Carriage

Date: January 15, 2007

Osaka, Japan – Following the announcement of its intent to secure cable carriage in four additional countries, Yomiuri Telecasting Company (YTV) has confirmed its target markets: the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. This strategic move reflects YTV's ambition to broaden its international presence and tap into the growing global interest in Japanese programming.

The selection of these countries is grounded in demographic research that highlights a significant diaspora of Japanese expatriates as well as a burgeoning interest in Japanese culture, entertainment, and media among local populations. By offering its diverse programming—ranging from popular anime like "Detective Conan" to engaging news and entertainment shows—YTV aims to establish itself as a premier source of Japanese content for audiences abroad.

United States: Recognizing the substantial Japanese community and a well-established market for anime and J-Pop culture, YTV aims to connect with urban centers such as Los Angeles and New York, where interest in Japanese media is booming. Additionally, collaborations with existing cable platforms could facilitate a smoother entry into American homes.

Canada: With a vibrant multicultural landscape, Canada presents a unique opportunity for YTV to reach audiences in Ontario and British Columbia, where there are strong ties to Japanese heritage. The network plans to partner with local channels to incorporate its programming into their line-ups and increase awareness among Canadian viewers.

Australia: YTV sees Australia as an emerging market due to its growing fan base for Japanese media, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Sydney and Melbourne. The Australian audience's appreciation for anime and cultural exchange provides a fertile ground for YTV’s programming to take root.

United Kingdom: The UK, renowned for its rich tapestry of cultural programming, has shown a noteworthy fascination with Japanese entertainment and lifestyle. YTV seeks partnerships with British broadcasters to make its content accessible and relatable to audiences who are increasingly curious about Japan.

As YTV embarks on this international journey, its strategic approach will include engaging local content producers and tapping into the digital streaming landscape to meet the diverse viewing preferences of each country. Collaborations with local cable providers and internet platforms will be integral to making YTV's offerings available to wider audiences.

This expansion plan strengthens YTV’s position within the competitive landscape of international media and underscores its commitment to cultural exchange and global programming diversity. As we continue to track YTV’s progress in its international endeavors, this bold step signifies the company’s readiness to embrace the future of broadcasting beyond Japan's borders.

With ambitious plans to introduce viewers around the world to the essence of Japanese television, Yomiuri Telecasting Company is on the brink of a transformative phase, inviting global audiences to experience the rich storytelling and vibrant culture that defines its programming.

Write a follow up where the UK agrees and will launch the channel on the 24th of January, replacing QuizCall and Avago, both of which are closing completely on 1st of January